Avon Obituary: Donald Cole, 90

Donald L. Cole, 90, of Avon, beloved husband of the late Betty (Bigford) Cole, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2017.

Born in Grand Rapids, MI, son of the late Levi and Carrie (Van Dyke) Cole, he was raised there and received his BA from the University of Michigan. He served in the US Army during W.W. II and joined the Travelers Insurance Company in 1952 holding various positions and responsibilities in both national and international operations retiring as Vice President in 1991. He was past President of the Independent Reinsurance Underwriters Association.

He has lived in Avon since 1963 where he was active in the West Avon Congregational Church, was an officer in the Avon Land Trust, and served as a coach for his sons’ baseball teams. An avid outdoorsman, he loved splitting several cords of wood each season as well as skiing, fishing, tennis, and golf. He also donated many gallons of blood to the American Red Cross over his lifetime. However, his dedication to his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren was his hallmark.

He leaves two sons Bruce Cole (Marcy) of Libertyville, IL and William Cole (Alison Swain) of Avon; two daughters Nancy Cole (Walter Miller) of Morriston, FL and Ellen Visnyei (George) of Redding; a sister Norma Cole Knowlton of Springfield, OH; and eight grandchildren Cate Steczkowski (Rob), Doug Visnyei (Lauren Swanson), Ben Visnyei (Janessa), Lindsey LeCocq (Jason), Lauren Cole, Chelsea Cole, Hannah Cole (Luke Espinosa), and Alicia Cole; and 5 great grandchildren Madeline, Josephine, Hayden, Olivia, and Declan.

His family will receive friends Friday, January 5, 2018, from 5-8 pm at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018, 11 am at the West Avon Congregational Church, 280 Country Club Road, Avon. The Rev. Dr. Brian Hardee will officiate. Burial will be in West Avon Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Contributions may be made to the West Avon Congregational Church in Don’s memory.

For directions or condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.