Anthony Philip Cotti, born January 1st in 1984. Bursting into the world as an already mature gentleman-infant to Joseph and Jeanine Cotti. Anthony was born in San Jose but spent his childhood in the peaceful and quiet community of Royal Oaks. Running amuck among the sun drenched trees, crashing quads into fences, and playing video games all with his two younger brothers Travis and Zac.

Through Anthony’s young life of sports, camping, family time and more sports, he built lasting friendships and always strived to make people smile and feel good about themselves. A standout in track & field, setting and breaking records in shotput at North Monterey County HS. His favorite part of being on a team was the bonding and sportsmanship of playing for a common goal… Winning! Anthony found his love for football as a teenager and eventually fell into what would become his passion: coaching. 

Anthony spent the majority of his life caring for others. Whether it was giving his football players a ride home from practice or spending a little extra on essentials like shoes or food or even little gifts for their families, there wasn’t a doubt that Anthony was the kind of man that would give you the shirt off his back, turn around and ask you what else you needed. 

As an adult, Anthony met and married the love of his life, Nina. She likes to say that she picked him up at the grocery store where he worked. Married in 2014, they welcomed their first child, Beau, in 2017. After 18 months of baby bliss Anthony and Nina went through one of the toughest times in their lives as Beau passed away in 2019 while unknowingly expecting their 2nd, Leo. Through their grief, Anthony was the epicenter of strength and courage. Looking forward while honoring his son the best he could. Once the exuberant Leo arrived there was more laughter and excitement in Anthony’s life than ever before. With more excitement on the horizon as their 3rd baby will be arriving early 2026. Anthony loved being a dad and couldn’t wait to share everything with his sons. 

After Beau’s death Anthony paused his dreams of coaching to support his family, but finding it the right time to get back to his passion, Anthony jumped back in in 2022. And most recently was granted the opportunity to coach at Hartnell under long time friend and colleague Coach Berlanga. Being back on a team reignited his drive and passion and was just what he needed. Not only was he excited and honored for his future in coaching - it reminded him of why he loved it in the first place. It was impact. The thought and the ability for him to give back to the community he loved, to make an impression on kids that with hard work, integrity and the right people to lift you up: anything was possible. He always looked to positives and silver linings and never accepted that life was nothing but beauty and learning experiences. All we needed was love, understanding and a touch of grit. 

He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his family. Preceded by his dad, Joe and survived by his mom, Jeanine. Wife, Nina with son Leo, and baby on the way. Brothers, Travis (with wife Kelsie and daughters Amber and Alicia - Uncle Aunty loved you so dearly) and Zac (with wife Janine and their two girls, he will still be a comfort when the world is too loud). Loving Uncles, Aunts and cousins from the Cotti/LeSanche families along with his loving Liu family. 

Anthony Philip Cotti, not just a husband, or just a son, not just a dad, or just a coach, not just a friend or brother or future judo legend or any iteration of what a person should be. He encompassed everything that was kind & sweet, strong & heart forward, straight forward yet never unkind. He leaves us with a huge hole in our lives. To know him was to feel warmth and love at the highest level. He will be missed on earth, and as time unfolds with him watching over us we were truly blessed to witness his life and character.

Until you’re in our arms again, we will spend our lives remembering you.