Ronald F. Cole ’61 died on January 4, 2023, in Scarborough, Maine.

(The following was provided by the Portland Press Herald on January 25, 2023)

Windham – Ronald Cole passed away peacefully on January 4, 2023, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House with his wife, Diane, by his side. He grew up in Westbrook and spent most of his life in southern Maine.

His whole career was at the music department at the University of Southern Maine. He was dedicated to building the music department which is now the Osher School of Music. He was a multi-talented man: an excellent pianist, professor, and administrator; a mechanical genius; a nearly life-long competitive athlete, and a born leader.

Despite his many talents and accomplishments, he remained humble. He was a kind, generous, and patient husband, father, and friend. He was as steady as the rock of Gibraltar and possessed not a mean bone in his body. He was an eternal optimist: when faced with challenges, he maintained undaunted courage and graciousness.

He will be loved, admired, remembered, and missed forever by his family and friends.