Born Aug. 1, 1988, in Olean, he was the son of Mark and Paula Salmonson Cotton.
Greg graduated from Olean High School, Class of 2006, and later from SUNY Fredonia with a bachelor's and master's in Mathematics.
Greg began his teaching career at Olean High School in Fall of 2011. He then was hired by Whitesville Central School System in 2012 where he taught grades 8 through 12 as well as college credit courses. He was very engaged with his students participating in Pi-Day, letting his students throw pies at him; faculty basketball games against Andover Central School; and was an adviser for the yearbook. Every year he gave review classes after school to all his Regents students.
He worked at Andover Summer Camp for two summers and taught summer school in Wellsville in 2017.
Greg was a very happy son who enjoyed biking, kayaking, painting and music. He loved playing at acoustic night at the Palmer Opera House. In July of 2017, he learned Peaceful Easy Feeling and sang with his father on a Father's Day promise. He also played at Open Mic Nights at Talty's. In June, he traveled to Colorado which "was a trip of a lifetime." He and his good friend Eric Johnston then drove back to Olean. He loved playing music with Dylan Snyder who helped him refine his guitar and singing skills.
He was a loving son and recently got a tattoo dedicated to his Papa Salmonson.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Brian Cotton of Allegany; his uncles, Jim Salmonson of Allegany, Tony Salmonson of Yellow Springs, Ohio and Shawn Cotton of Bradford, Pa.; an aunt, Kim Cotton of Erie, Pa.; and several cousins.
Greg was predeceased by his grandparents, Charles and Amelia Salmonson, and John and Mary Alice Cotton; an aunt, Charlie Salmonson; and an uncle, Brenn Cotton.
Family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc. 1303 E. State St., Olean where funeral and committal services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday (Sept. 11, 2017). The Rev. Gregory Dobson, Pastor of St. Mary of the Angels Parish, will officiate. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Allegany Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Cuba or Allegany Fire Departments or to a charity of the donor's choice
.