Charles Cole, Ex-Wyckoff Mayor Who Made a Difference, Dies at 81

Charles Cole, who served as a committeeman, mayor, and was a revered firefighter in the town of Wyckoff, died Saturday at the age of 81.

Cole was born in New York and lived in Louisiana before moving to Wyckoff in 1956, according to his obituary. He graduated from Ridley College in Ontario, Canada, in 1949 and Hamilton College in New York, in 1953. He worked for Verizon in New York City for 37 years.

Cole's family, as well as officials in Wyckoff, praised the longtime resident on Monday for his dedication and service to the community.

"Charlie lived his life with one purpose in mind and that is to make a difference and we feel that he successfully accomplished that," said Charles's wife Alice Cole. "His family and his 'second' family (the fire department) will certainly miss him."

'Charlie' Cole had an extensive career with the Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department.

He was a 56 year member of the department, serving in various capacities: as Deputy Chief of Fire Company No. 1 in 1969-70, Fire Department secretary, secretary to the N.J. Fireman’s Relief Association for Wyckoff, and President of Protection Fire Company #1.     

When Charlie decided that he could not ride the fire apparatus any longer, Charlie took the helm at the Wyckoff Fire Department Communications Desk serving as the Operations Coordinator for the Northwest Bergen Mutual Aid Fire Desk for many years, Rose said.  

"The loss of Charlie will be felt for many years to come by members of the Wyckoff Fire Department," said Wyckof Fire Chief Mike Rose. "Charlie was such an instrumental force in the development of the Wyckoff Fire Department for the last 56 years."

In 1981 Cole was elected to the Wyckoff Township Committee where, in 1983, he was chosen to serve as mayor.

Current Mayor Chris DePhillips rememberd Cole as a kind person and a gentleman.

“The Township mourns the loss of our former mayor, Charlie Cole. The Township and the Fire Department are paying fitting tributes to this fine gentleman this week," DePhillips said. "Mayor Cole was a dedicated public servant who literally devoted most of his adult life to the Township of Wyckoff. The residents of Wyckoff are grateful for all the sacrifices he made for the betterment of our community over a span of several decades. “

DePhillips ordered flags in Wyckoff flown at half-staff Monday in Cole's memory.

Cole was twice the recipient of the Dana Hannon Award — the highest honor awarded to a member of the Wyckoff Fire Department. He was chosen Fireman of the Year in 1977.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 24, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at . A service will be held for Cole at Vander Plaat on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Protection Fire Co. #1, Scott Plaza, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 or the Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps., P.O. Box 214, Wyckoff, NJ 07481. 

If you have memories or photos of Charlie Cole, or well-wishes for the family, that you'd like to share, please feel free to comment below or add your photos above.

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