Palmer J Cotturo

Dr. Palmer J. Cotturo, 87, of Mount Bethel, passed away at his residence on Friday, December 1st, 2023. Born in Fountain Hill, PA, Dr. Cotturo was the son of the late Palmer Cotturo, Sr. and Filomena (Schiavone) Cotturo. He graduated from Bangor High School in 1954, having played varsity football for three years. He also was a member of the high school band for three years. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional studies from Moravian College in 1958, he matriculated at Temple University Dental School, where he received a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 1962. At Temple Dental, Dr. Cotturo was a member of the John A. Kolmer Medical Society and Xi Psi Phi Dental Fraternity and served as distributor for “The Dental Mirror,” a monthly publication of the Dental School. Immediately thereafter, Dr. Cotturo reported for duty at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, before being stationed at Fort Leonard Wood (MO) General Hospital, where he proudly served as a dental officer with the U.S. Army Dental Corps, until being honorably discharged with the rank of captain in 1964. Upon leaving the U.S. Army, he opened his own successful practice in general dentistry in Bangor, Pennsylvania, where he treated patients for approximately 50 years. In 1967, Dr. Cotturo instituted a dental program for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities at Easton Hospital, Easton, PA, to fill a need he perceived, treating those who could not be treated at a clinic or office, in a hospital setting. Dr. Cotturo greatly enjoyed hospital-oriented dentistry and willingly gave his time to the hospital outpatient clinic where he treated patients from underserved communities. As a result of these efforts, he was invited to be on the Professional Consulting Board of what is known today as the Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania, an organization serving children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, where he served for many years. Dr. Cotturo was an avid golfer. His other interests included professional and collegiate sports, his pet dogs and antique cars. He is survived by a son, P. Christopher Cotturo, his wife, Hope, of Bangor, and their daughter, Mary; a daughter, Nicole M. Brungard, her husband, Randy, of Howard, PA, their son, Paul, his wife, Kelsey, and their children, Blake and Miles; and a beloved extended family, including cousins, nieces and nephews. Brothers, Daniel, Anthony and Palmer A.; and sisters, Jennie Maiorano and Grace Sisolak, who all predeceased. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 7th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church at the corner of Third and Garibaldi Avenues in Roseto. No calling hours. Services are under the care of the Fiore Funeral Home 30 Market Street Bangor, PA 18013. Online condolences may be offered at www.fiorefuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Elevator Fund, or the AWSOM Animal Shelter PO Box 13, Stroudsburg, PA. 18013

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Palmer J Cotturo

July 7, 1936 - December 1, 2023