Stephen F. Cotta

Stephen F. Cotta, 67, passed away unexpectedly on March 23.  Stephen was a graduate of Holy Spirit School and of Christian Brothers High School.  He began his life of service in the US Navy as a communications engineer on the USS Mahan in 1967 during the Vietnam war.  Returning home, he attended City College and CSUS to obtain a Bachelor Degree in Psychology.  He wanted to continue service in counseling and education, so he entered Northern Arizona University to obtain a Master Degree in Education, while counseling youth part time. Upon returning to Sacramento, he began a college teaching career and marriage and family counseling.  In 1983, Steve changed his service direction to become a Deputy Sheriff, following in his Dad, Frank Cotta’s, footsteps.  Steve served in Patrol, Correctional Facilities, Community Resources Bureau, Sheriff Training Academy, and Superior Court.  He was promoted to Detective to the Special Investigation/Intelligence Bureau where he worked for the office of the Sheriff for eight years.  In March, 2008, Steve retired from Sacramento County with 27 years of service to begin new life adventures. Over the past two years, he and his wife enjoyed trips to Austria, France, Germany, Czech Republic and Hungary as avid travelers.  All of Steve’s life, he loved fishing and hunting.  So he combined hunting, fishing, and traveling to experience Panama, British Columbia, Yukon, Alaska, Mexico, Amazon, and the great northwest states.  His annual trips to British Columbia, Alaska, Mexico, and Oregon with fellow sportsmen were some of his greatest memories. Steve enjoyed competitive water skiing, handball, and golf with the Police Olympics for 20 years.  He especially enjoyed playing golf with his son, Stephen, at the courses at Pebble Beach.  Along with sports, Steve had a love for music which he shared with his son, whether they were playing guitar or singing.  Steve is survived by his wife of 25 years, Cindy, son Stephen, brothers-in-law Kyle Trafton, Brian Walsh, Rudy Engelhardt, sister Maryann Cotta, sister-in-law, Terri Engelhardt, father-in-law and wife John and Sharon Trafton.  He is preceded in death by his parents Frank J. Cotta, Sr., Bernice Cotta, brother, Frankie Cotta, mother-in-law, Dorothy Trafton, and aunt, Sister Mary Cotta. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Jesuit High School Steve Cotta Tuition Assistance Fund.  A funeral mass will be held at St. Ignatius Church, 3235 Arden Way on Friday, April 1 at 10:00 am with a lunch reception following.  Interment will be at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery.