Committal Service with Military Honors
- George R. “Chico” Gotauco
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 following 12 Noon Funeral Service in the R.A. Iannotti Funeral Home (Section 47C Lot 4 Grave 7)
GOTAUCO, GEORGE (CHICO) R., 72, died on Sunday, June 3rd, at Lakeland Memorial Hospital following an eight year battle with renal failure, with his family by his side. Son of the late Antonio and Elizabeth Gotauco, brother of the late Carol Gotauco Wilder and Fred Gotauco and father of predeceased George R. Gotauco Jr., he is survived by his beloved wife Jean Colicchio Gotauco, brothers, Tommy and Chester Gotauco, and sisters, Constance Gotauco Perez and Pilar Gotauco.
A loving father to his children, he leaves behind sons; Michael Antonio, David Chico, James, and daughter, Julie. He was also an adored grandfather and uncle, survived by seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
George was born and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts, where he was Captain of the High School varsity football team; he also played varsity baseball from the time he was a freshman. After graduation, George signed up for the U.S. Navy, serving in the Med Corps, and played fast pitch softball where he was named “All Navy” for his stellar athletic ability. Following his time with the U.S. Navy, George moved to North Kingstown, R.I. where he worked construction, helping to build the Newport Bridge and playing on the outfit’s “Local 57″ fast pitched softball team. Possessing an entrepreneurial flair, he later found his livelihood in successfully owning and operating restaurants such as “The Covered Wagon,” “Chico’s Place” and “Custy’s”.
A highly motivated, dedicated and sociable man, George spent his leisure time playing golf and coaching North Kingstown youth baseball, including Little League, Jr. High and Sr. High school, as well as AAU USA national baseball. He loved the game and mentoring the kids he coached.
Known for his exceptional generosity, charismatic and outgoing personality, he was an eternal optimist who always encouraged others, noting the best in everyone. George’s strength and courage throughout life’s trials and tribulations, and ultimately demonstrated during his battle with renal failure, was to be admired. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held Tuesday morning from 9:00 -12:00 in the R. A. IANNOTTI Funeral Home, 415 Washington St. (Rte. 117), Coventry, with a Funeral Service to follow at 12:00 pm. Interment will be in Quidnessett Cemetery, North Kingstown. In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Kidney Foundation , 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY, 10016 would be appreciated. www.iannottifh.com
Published in The Providence Journal on June 10, 2012
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to chico’s family and friends, I recently thought about my friend chico and a year after his passing I feel compelled to remind everyone what a legend and inspiration chico was to me. as a little boy growing up in fall river, I was a (park rat) and when local57 came to town, I was always their batboy and dreamed at the age of 8 that someday I would play for these guys. when I was 13 my family moved to cov. ri. when I was 18, I was at the covered wagon and unbeknownst to me I was told that mr. gotauco was the owner.I politely approached him and explained how I was his team’s batboy every year they played in fall river. to my shock, he responded “I remember you!”. I thought, “no way” but what really mattered is that chico graciously befriende me and although I never played for local57 being his friend was better. you’re biggest fan and dear friend, wayne