Donald Cole, 81

Donald “Papa” F. Cole, 81, of Tupper Lake, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2020 after fighting his illness of Parkinson’s and other complications at United Helpers in Canton, NY.

Born on August 17, 1939 in Long Lake, NY, he was the son of Herbert and Edith Rovetto Cole.

He graduated from Long Lake High School. While in school, he participated in the school band, sang in the choir, and was very active in the athletic department, playing softball, basketball and baseball.

Soon after, Donald joined the Air Force in 1959 and honorably served until retiring in 1963.

He met Jane Raymond and the two were married on August 19, 1967 at St. Alphonsus with Rev. LeDuc officiating. Together they raised Royce.

Donald became part of the Town of Tupper Lake Highway Department crew where he worked as a heavy machine operator for many years until retirement. Donald also worked part- time at LeRoy’s Auto in Tupper Lake detailing cars and moved to full-time after retirement from the highway department.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Cole; children, Royce Cole, and his wife Jessica, of Tupper Lake; Maureen Allen, and her husband Jeff, of Massena; Talbert McCorkle and his wife, Roni of Australia; one sister Thelma Drew; seven grandchildren Merrick Cole, Kinsley Cole, Clay Allen, Hannah Allen and Cole Allen. Stephanie McCorkle and John Ray McCorkle and his wife, Melissa and four great-grandchildren: John Ray III, Ella, David and Ruby.

He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Theresa Cole and Mae Richman.

Donald enjoyed going to camp, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren. Don had the best sense of humor and doted on his son, Royce. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

A burial will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 1p.m. at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. A celebration of life will immediately follow at the Lakeview Lanes in Tupper Lake.

Donations in Donald’s memory can be made to the Tupper Lake River Pigs Baseball Team, payable to Keepers of the Diamond at P.O. Box 1033, Tupper Lake, NY 12986 or the VFW in Tupper Lake.

Services are under the care and direction of Fray-Stuart Funeral Home, Tupper Lake.

Online condolences can be made at www.fraryfuneralhomes.com.