Frederick C. "Fred" Cotterell

March 8, 1944 - August 24, 2026

Fred C. Cotterell, 82 of Leland, N.C., passed away August 24, 2026, surrounded by family at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He was born in Jersey City, N.J., in 1944 and was the son of Mary "Betty" and Fred W.H. Cotterell.

A graduate of Paramus High School and Jersey City State College, Fred had a long, distinguished career as a social studies educator spanning more than six decades, including at Mendham, Mount Olive, West Morris, and Paramus High Schools, as well as at Montclair State University. His impact on social studies curriculum and countless students throughout New Jersey is far-reaching and recognized still today with the Fred Cotterell Teacher of the Year awards presented annually by NJCSS to distinguished educators in social studies.

For Fred, history was more than a career, it was also a deep interest and passion and one which he shared with several grandchildren who often had lengthy conversations and debates with him around history, politics, and world affairs. His interest in civics extended outside the classroom too as a member of the Washington Township/Long Valley Council where he was an active voice in land use and zoning in the late 70's and early 80's. He was also very involved in coaching numerous sports at the high school and recreation levels.

During summer and holiday breaks when school wasn't in session, Fred took pride in serving countless customers for many years throughout central and northeast New Jersey, delivering Pepsi to grocery chains and mom-and-pop convenience stores alike. He always enjoyed bringing joy to those around him and was known to treat his children, nieces and nephews with a special delivery of soda during their annual vacation in Ocean City, N.J., followed by an early morning bakery run for fresh donuts for the family.

After retiring, Fred relocated to Leland, N.C., where he enjoyed bocci, corn hole, bowling, biking, and endless socializing with many good friends in the community.

Fred is survived by his spouse, Chris Diehl, brother Charles of Montclair, N.J., and children, Chris Cotterell (Julie) of Winchester, Va., Kim Ellis (Rich) of Rocky Mount, Va., and Becky Meyle of Winchester, Va., and stepchildren Karen Kment (Dan) and Michael Diehl (Stacey). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Peyton Cotterell, Ethan and Sebastian Ellis, Freddy Meyle, Madeline and Sean Kment, and Chloe and Eleni Diehl. Fred was preceded in death by his former spouse and children's mother, Stephanie Cotterell, and son-in-law, William H. Meyle, III.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory be made to the non-profit New Jersey Council for the Social Studies (NJCSS), Rutgers University, Livingston Campus, 54 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, Suite A-350, Piscataway, NJ, 08854.

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