Deceased Friars
Cuthbert Cotton, OFM

1894 – 1943
Fr. Cuthbert Cotton, OFM, was born on May 2, 1894 in Camden, N.J. He graduated from St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., and entered the novitiate in 1913, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1917 and was ordained in 1920.
He was assigned to the Callicoon seminary, where he taught Latin and Greek for 16 years. Fr. Cuthbert claimed preparing young men for the priesthood was his particular ministry in life. His kindly good nature and solid piety deeply affected the students whom he loved.
For 10 years, he served as pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Narrowsburg, N.Y. Fr. Cuthbert built the new church there, which was dedicated in 1925. He also served as guardian and professor at St. Stephen Friary, Croghan, N.Y., and cared for the nearby mission in New Bremen from 1931 to 1937 before returning to Callicoon. In 1942, Fr. Cuthbert served as secretary to the General Delegate, residing at St. Francis Friary in New York City. In 1943, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Obernburg, N.Y. Ill health forced him to retire. During his years of active ministry, Fr. Cuthbert was in great demand as a retreat master for religious.
He died on Dec. 15, 1943 at St. Catherine’s Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y. Fr. Cuthbert was 49 years old, a professed friar for 29 years and a priest for 23 years.