Brooke Powell Cottman

Brooke Powell Cottman passed away on February 13 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 89.

Brooke was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and attended Boys’ Latin School of Maryland,  graduating in 1948. He then attended Duke University, where he was considered a great athlete with a particular gift for lacrosse. In 1952, Brooke was named a collegiate All-American lacrosse player (attackman) and played in the 1952 North-South All Star Game.

After Duke, Brooke entered the Air Force Aviation Cadet program, where he became a fighter pilot instructor during the Korean conflict. Lieutenant Cottman completed his service in Greenville, Mississippi, where he met his future wife, Kay Ward.

Brooke and Kay made their home in Swarthmore from 1956-1978, and raised their three daughters there. Brooke enjoyed being the head coach for lacrosse at Swarthmore College from 1960-1977.

He built a thriving real estate business, Cottman & Coslett Inc., in Media, and later became a successful property developer, owner, and manager of apartment complexes, including Media Station Apartments, Tunbridge Apartments, and Scarborough Mews Townhouses.

Brooke lived a vibrant life in Elkton, Maryland, and Delray Beach, Florida, depending on the season. He was an artist, athlete, engaging entertainer, successful entrepreneur, loyal friend, patriot, and visionary. He was as bright as a lighthouse beacon, and a larger than life character. He will be missed beyond words and by many.

He is survived by his children, Cindy Cottman, Virgina Palusky, and Susan Brooke Cottman; and grandchildren, Graham Palusky, Taylor Palusky, Leiyana Pearl Song, and Jasper Mitchell.