Roger A. Cole

Roger A. Cole, 79, of Halfmoon, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 27, 2018 with his loving family by his side.

Roger was born September 14, 1938 in Gloversville, NY, the son of the late Willard B. and Nina L. Cole

A native of the Adirondack Mountains community of Wells, Hamilton County, he graduated from Wells Central Schools, where he excelled academically and in three sports, in 1955. He attended Ithaca College on a full athletic scholarship.

Roger proudly and faithfully served his country in the US Marine Corps as a Corporal (E-4) from 1957-1964. "Semper Fi".

Roger was a kind, compassionate and giving Father. His never pass judgment attitude is an attribute that has been passed down to his children and generations to follow. He never judged, but instead was always the person you knew you could call upon for his words of concern and above all else, love. There was never a problem that was insurmountable. May we have all taken away just a little of his optimism and light that leads us all down the path of righteousness and remember that empathy is a quality learned and given freely by those who choose to make a difference in someone's life.

Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps he began a varied and enjoyable work career. He was a bank teller early on, but especially enjoyed his long career in journalism and communications beginning as a reporter, columnist, and bureau chief with "The Leader Herald" newspaper in Gloversville and Johnstown. He became the assistant director and executive editor for the General Telephone Company of Upstate, NY, then executive editor of the "GE News" in Schenectady, communications specialist for GE in Columbia, MD, and director of communications for the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) in Albany. He retired after a 20 year stint as executive editor of CSEA's "The Public Sector" and "The Work Force" member publications.

Roger was a life member of the Capt. William Dale O'Brien detachment of the Marine Corps League, Albany.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, whom he married on September 14, 1982, and was the proud father of Roger A. Cole II (Patsy) of Greenville, NC and Melissa L. Paige (George) of Wells, NY and step-children, Shelley (Carmen), Terry (Tony), and James (Suzanne). He is also survived by brother, Willard A. Cole (Beth) of Kissimme, FL; grandchildren, James, Stacy, Tammy, Carmen III, Nicholas, Karissa, Zachery and Austin; one great-grandchild, Amelia Grace.

In addition to his parents and many relatives, he was predeceased by his faithful canine pals JJ Puff and Prince William.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY 12189. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 10:00 am. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Mausoleum, Troy.

In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated in memory of Roger A. Cole to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204.