GORDON COLE
NORWICH – Gordon S. “Spike” Cole, 88, formerly of 25 Birdsall Street, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 26, 2006 at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford.
Born March 9, 1918 in Rockdale, Gordon was the son of Edward G. and Letha M. (Brizzee) Cole. He was educated in Rockdale and Norwich before holding several jobs. He worked for 16 years as a trainman for the O & W Railroad and then as a warehouseman for Norwich Pharmaceuticals for over 25 years. He retired on March 31, 1983.
Gordon served with the United States Army during World War II as a landing craft coxswain. He fought in the East Indies and the Southern Philippines and achieved the rank of Technician Fourth Grade.
Gordon was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church, the Quarter Century Club of Norwich Pharmaceuticals and a life member of the VFW.
On July 2, 1945, in St. Bartholomew’s Church with Father Festa officiating, Gordon married Frances M. (Canto) Cole. Frances died on Feb. 12, 1999. He is survived by two daughters, Letha Cole and Linda Lombardi and her husband, Joseph of Norwich; a son, Kenneth Cole, his wife, Anita and grandchildren Victoria and Salvador, all of Norwich. Gordon’s grandchildren were the love of his life. Gordon was predeceased by two brothers, Ellis and Edward Cole and two sisters, Katherine Coe and Doris Lindner.
A Mass of Resurrection for Gordon will be held on Tuesday, May 30 at 10:30 a.m. in The Church of the Holy Apostle St. Bartholomew. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m.
Contributions in memory of Gordon may be made to the Memorial Fund of St. Bartholomew’s Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.