Woodbury- Donald Edward Cole,89, passed away peacefully at home on October 24, 2024. Born January 13,1935, in Waterbury to the late Norman F. Cole and Lillian M. Hoxley Cole.

He was the husband of the late Joan M Cole. Married in 1960, Donald and Joan made their home in Woodbury for their entire married life. He attended Woodbury schools and graduated with the class of 1954. He was the Co-owner of Cole Brothers Lumber Company for 20 years and in 1984 established the Donald Cole Logging Company.

Donald was in the 4th Armored Division in Germany 1957-1959 and was recalled in 1961 to Fort Campbell Kentucky and served there until 1962. He remained close to his army friends throughout his entire life, attending reunions all over the U.S.

He loved UConn basketball, NASCAR, and the New York Yankees almost as much as he loved watching his son Donald Jr. race Motorcross and his grandson James Kimberly play basketball and baseball at Nonnewaug High school.

He was an accomplished fisherman, hunter, bowler and softball player.

Donald was the beloved father of Donald Cole Jr., Joanne Cole and her husband William Lake and the late James Cole. He was the cherished grandfather of James Kimberly and his wife Kelly Kimberly, Melissa Lake, Derick Smarz, John Smarz and the late Darin Smarz. He loved his grandchildren immensely. Donald was also blessed with three great grandsons, Raven Murphy, Jackson J. Kimberly and James C. Kimberly.

Donald, one of 17 siblings, leaves behind four beloved sisters, Shirley Wescott, Dorothy Merrill, Judy Lamothe and Nancy Parnishkul as well as, two brothers, Arthur Cole and Harold Cole. The Cole's are a wonderful, loving family filled with many great stories of growing up in Woodbury.

A private graveside service will be held at the family's convenience and calling hours will he held at Munson Lovetere Funeral home, 2 School Street, Woodbury, CT., on Saturday November 9, 2024 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. A brief memorial service will begin at 4:00pm.

The entire family extends tremendous gratitude to Donald's home care aid, Okhana Mobali, (Koko), who brought such loving care to his final years.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Woodbury Food Bank at Woodbury Community Services Council PO Box 585, Woodbury, CT 06798 and the Woodbury Ambulance at PO Box 581, Woodbury, CT 06798 C/O Candice Griffin. To leave an online condolence, please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com