Obituary of Edward T. Cotugno

Edward T. “Eddie” Cotugno, 36, of Altamont, NY passed away peacefully on Monday, July 24, 2023 surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with ALS.

Born on June 3, 1987, he was the son of Edward and Rose Mary Hage Cotugno. He attended St. Mary’s Institute, Lynch Literacy Academy and graduated in 2005 from Amsterdam High School. Eddie continued on with his education and attended several colleges.

A lifelong Amsterdam resident, Eddie enjoyed life to the fullest. By trade, he was head electrician at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and other entities with IATSE Local 592 and IATSE Local 14.  He also worked for IATSE Local 52 of the Motion Picture Operators. He enjoyed nature, especially the trails at Saratoga State Park, traveling to National Parks, driving his mini cooper, playing music- especially his guitar, and learning all that he could.  Eddie was a special soul who touched countless lives, and had a special way of bringing out the best in everyone he met.

On May 6, 2021 he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.  Determined to make this world a better place, he encouraged others and faced this disease with immense grace and courage.  He would not allow ALS to define who he was.

On September 18, 2021 he married the love of his life, Tia Palmiotto.  Although together for only a short period of time, they shared a lifetime of joy and laughter.

He is survived by his devoted wife Tia; his parents, Eddie and Rose Mary; his big sister, Rachel; his niece and nephew, Thomasina and Jaeden; a great nephew Jamir; his mother and father-in-law, Thomas and Carmela Palmiotto; his sisters-in-law, Carissa Palmiotto and Lacy Palmiotto; and extended members of the Hage, Cotugno and Palmiotto families; and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 10 o’clock at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam, NY with The Very Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis E.V. as celebrant.  Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 4p.m. until 7p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Private burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Eddie’s memory may be made to I AM ALS,1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, #14135, Washington, DC 20044 or www.IAMALS.org/donate or St. Peter’s Hospital ALS Regional Center, www.sphp.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com