SALEM | Kenneth D. Cole, 92, of Salem, passed away peacefully at his residence Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, with his loving daughter by his side.
He was the son of the late Sela Cole Sr. and Marie Butler Cole.
Ken was also predeceased by his wife of 63 years who he married on April 26, 1947, Edith “Edie” Reynolds Cole. She passed away Sept. 21, 2010.
Ken was born July 24, 1923, in Hensonville, New York, where he received his education.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II in the European Theatre in all five camps. He was honored with five Battle Stars and many other citations.
After his service to his country, Ken worked as a teamster driver for Dorn’s Transportation of Glens Falls for 37 years, retiring in 1986.
Ken was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Salem, the Francis J. Clark American Legion Post 812 in Salem and the Teamster’s Local 294 in Albany.
Ken was a very family-oriented man, with his family being a very important part of his life. He loved working on his garden tractors and was able to do so because of the excellent mechanic he was. Ken and his wife Edie liked to do some traveling in their motor home, and above all, they especially enjoyed spending time with their family and friends at their camp on Cossayuna Lake.
In addition to his parents and wife, Ken was predeceased by his brothers, Edward Cole of Fultonville, New York, and Sela Cole Jr. of Randallstown, Maryland.
Ken is survived by his dear daughter and son-in-law, Maria and E.B. Sherman of Salem, and a granddaughter, Adrienne Sherman (Thomas Coon) of Clifton Park; his two sisters, Esther Frederiksen of Midlothian, Virginia, and Ellida Lancaster of Baltimore, Maryland; and a sister-in-law, Dolores Cole of Randallstown, Maryland. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Jennifer Bassett and all of Peg’s Angels and Martha Patrick for the wonderful care they gave to Ken during his illness. Also, they will always be grateful to his good neighbors, Ruby Hafner and Rhonda Bouchard, for cooking his favorite meals for the past 5 1/2 years.
Per Ken’s request, there will be no calling hours or a service at this time.
Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Salem at a later date.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions in memory of Ken to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 484, Salem, NY 12865; Salem Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 449, Salem, NY 12865; or Salem Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 360, Salem, NY 12865.
To offer online condolences, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are with McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home Inc., 19 E. Broadway, Salem, NY 12865.