Deleston L. Cote, 81, of Cream Ridge, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 at his home.  Born in Limestone, Maine, he was a graduate of Caribou High School and attended Springfield College.  Del, a lifelong horseman, began his career in the Maine fair racing circuit at age 16.  In 1966, he and his wife (and high school sweetheart) Greta, relocated to Cream Ridge where he eventually opened his own training facility, recently retiring in 2017.  While Del had a passion for horses and horse racing, his love was with his family.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed going to his children and grandchildren's sporting events and activities.  Del was a longtime member of St John's Church in Allentown and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Son of the late Louis and Dorothy Cote, he was predeceased by his sister, Gloria and his son-in-law, Mark Dekis.  Del is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Greta Cote; his children, Beth Cote Dekis; Shannon and her husband C. Sam DePinto, Brice and his wife Karen Cote, Jan Cote and her longtime companion, James Wall, Scott and his wife Judy Cote, Del Jr. and his wife Joelle Cote and Megan and her husband Patrick Lechance; grandchildren, Kevin and Cote Keim, Michael and Nicolas DePinto, Ashley Patel, Louis and Craig Cote, Rachel and Ross Scheuerman, Christopher and Cameron Cote, Alexander, Cade, Clay and Park Cote and Kate, Jake and Sara Lechance; 9 great grandchildren, a sister, Celesta Lanham; a brother, Kermit Cote as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am on Wednesday, July 25 ^th at St. John the Baptist Church, 1282 Yardville-Allentown Rd., Allentown.  Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.  Friends may call Tuesday from 2-4pm and again from 6-9pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Del's name to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 42 Arneytown-Hornerstown Rd Cream Ridge, NJ 08514