Charles Cole Sr. died on December 1, 2014, in Brunswick, Maine. He worked at Bowdoin for twenty years in various capacities in athletics, facilities, and dining, and was made an honorary member of the Bowdoin Alumni Association.
(The following obituary appeared in The Times Record, December 18, 2014)
BRUNSWICK — Charles Cole Sr., 87, of Brunswick, passed away peacefully on Dec. 1, 2014, after a brief illness. Charles was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on June 17, 1927, to Mary (Murray) and James Cole. He attended Bridgeport schools and began working at an early age after his mother passed away when he was seven years old.
On Aug. 7,1944, at 17 years of age, Charles enlisted in the Navy and entered World War II serving with the Amphibious Forces. During his 24 years in the Navy he became a chef and served on the USS Randolph, USS Mitscher, and the USS Enterprise and participated in the Occupation of Germany, the Phillipine Liberation, and the Vietnam War. He was very proud of his service, especially the seven Good Conduct medals he earned.
After retiring from the Navy, Charles was employed at Bowdoin College for 20 years working at various times in the athletic, facilities, and food service departments.
On Aug. 8, 1964, he married Jeannette (Pelletier) of Brunswick. A loving and devoted couple, they raised four children together and recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.
Charles was an avid hunter and fisherman, with his passion being deep sea fishing. He was truly in his element when he was out in the open ocean spending the day Blue fishing while listening to country music. He enjoyed all types of music from opera to bluegrass, always played on high quality sound systems which he loved to tinker with.
He was predeceased by his parents; sisters Margaret and Mary; brothers Joseph, James, and Thomas; and a daughter Pearl (Allen).
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Phyllis Buffum and husband David of Phippsburg, Charles Jr. of South Portland, and James of Somerville, MA.; grandchildren Donald Allen of Lisbon Falls, Monique Heckenberg of Lisbon Falls, Margaret Cole of South Portland, Kim Buffum of Edgecomb, Jennifer Buffum of Reno, NV., Amy Buffum of Oahu, HI., Kelly Buffum of Midlothian, VA.; greatgrandchildren Colin and Hayden Allen of Lisbon Falls, Maverick Heckenberg of Lisbon Falls, and Oliver Lebeau of Edgecomb. He also leaves nephews Thomas Cole and wife Jeannette of Brunswick, Gabe Choquette and wife Anne of Naples FL., Andy Cloutier and wife Veronica of Montague Center, MA; and niece Marie Cloutier of New York, NY.
The lasting memory his family will have is the happiness he experienced on his last Thanksgiving shared with loved ones; he always loved good food and company.
At Charles’ request, there will be no funeral. A family celebration of his life will take place at a later date.