BROWNVILLE, ME ---- Jerry Cole, 75, of Milo/Brownville, Maine, died on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at his son and daughter-in-law’s home in Gilford, New Hampshire, surrounded by family.
Jerry was born on October 29, 1946, in Bangor, Maine, to Robert Cole, Sr., and Esther (Stevenson) Cole.
He always sought adventure, hitchhiking to and spending a few weeks a summer with his cousin, Clinton Cook, on Campobello Island, New Brunswick.
After graduating from Hampden Academy, Hampden, Maine, in 1965, Jerry joined the United States Air Force followed by 23 years in the Maine Air National Guard as an MSGT. He served his country in the Vietnam and Gulf War. He always looked handsome with all of his medals and ribbons decorating his dress blues.
In 1970, while working at Woolco Department store he met his wife, Marlene Heal. They dated, married, lived in Bangor and Hampden for a few years, and then moved to Milo in 1977.
Throughout his life, public service was his calling. He was a proud member of the Mason/Chapter 62, Piscataquis Lodge No. 44, the Shriners’ Flag Unit and Veteran Club, as well as American Legion Post 41. Locally, he served as a selectman for over 20 years. Many people called him the Mayor of Milo. He was the Emergency Management Director. His Batchelder’s Degree in accounting helped him keep the books as a trusted Treasurer for over 20 boards including the Milo Cemetery and Library and all others needing an honest man willing to give his time.
Jerry was an excellent fisherman that loved spinning tales of how the last ‘mogeesler’ got away, especially up at Musquash with his buddies Royce Jellison and Glen McMannus. Sitting around the fire playing cribbage and telling “fish” stories—what could be better than that? Laughter came easy to Jerry. He loved life and loved the people around him. The Cole door was always open to anyone who wanted to stop by.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents; brother, Hugh Cole; and brothers-in-law Larry Bois, Hutch Jones, and Marshall Thompson.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Marlene (Heal) Cole, of Milo, Maine; a son, Travis Cole, and his wife Michelle of Gilford, New Hampshire; a daughter, Angela Joy Osgood, and husband Tom of Orrington, Maine; and a son, Jeremy Cole, and his wife Erika from Sanbornton, New Hampshire. His grandchildren were the apples of his eye. Taylor, Shelby, Jaxen, Cooper, and Connor (who was like a grandchild)—they loved their papa. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Minnie.
Jerry had several brothers and sisters. He is also survived by his brother, Robert and his wife Lynne of Florida; his sister, Roberta Alls from Hampden; his sister, Sharon Jones from Falmouth; his twin sister, Joannie Bois from Brewer; sister, Rosa Thompson from Holden; and his sister-in-law, Sheila Cole from Levant.
He was also blessed to have many nieces and nephews who loved to see Uncle Jerry do his ‘Lizard’ look or Donald Duck voice. If they were lucky, they’d get to see him walk on his hands.
Services will be held at a later date, hopefully, Memorial Day Weekend, in Milo, Maine.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services and 603Cremations.com is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com