Joseph W. Cole, 87, Walnut St, DuBois, passed away at his residence at 10:40 a.m. on June 10, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.
Born Nov. 1, 1924 to Joseph H. Cole and Josephine Willis Cole in Crafton, Pa., he was preceded in death by his three siblings Samuel H. Cole, Annah M. Doak, and Howard C. Cole. He is survived by his wife Janet Shenck Cole, his four children, Joseph (Maureen) C. Cole of Ridgway, Jonathan (Jean) K. Cole of DuBois, Nathaniel (Candace) W. Cole of DuBois, and Johanna (Bernie) H. Davidson of Marion, Ohio. In addition, four step-children, Carrie (John) Kelsey of Minnesota, Clara (Fredrick) Balling of Michigan, Jenny Schenck of West Virginia and Jeanne (Joseph) Piacenti of Tennessee survive. Eleven grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, and fourteen nieces and nephews survive. He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years Ruth King Cole on Oct. 26, 1991 in Ridgway, Pa. and his granddaughter of 18 months Katie MacFadden in Marion, Ohio.
He served in the United States Army Air Corps during the Second World War, earning his wings 15 April, 1945 at Carlstrom Field, Arcadia, Florida after which he served as a B-25 “Mitchell” Bomber instructor pilot for the remainder of the war. While as a reserve officer in the U.S. Air Force, he completed his studies as a Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Dental Medicine in 1951. He had a practice specializing in Orthodontics based in Ridgway until his retirement in 1990. His sons Joseph C. and Nathaniel W. maintain this specialty practice today.
As a member of the First United Methodist Church in DuBois, Pa., he continued his lifelong commitment to his Christian faith, having been active in his childhood churches in the Pittsburgh area, raising his family in the First Presbyterian Church in Ridgway, and upholding his faithfulness after retirement in The Christ By The Sea United Methodist Church in Vero Beach Florida along with The First Methodist Church in DuBois. He lent his rich bass voice to choirs in all churches served. His legacy includes mission trips to Haiti, providing emergency dental services in the name of Christ to those in need. He was elected to and served on the Ridgway Area School Board as well as coaching the Ridgway Boys Tennis Team. In the early 1960’s, he was instrumental in starting the Ridgway High School Wrestling team when he approached the school board with the proposal. He taught Orthodontics as an Associate Faculty member at the graduate level in the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Dental Medicine, inspiring orthodontic residents to practice at the highest level of their specialty. He imparted his sincerity and character to all those lives he touched and lived a life of Christian service and devotion to his immediate and extended family.
Friends will be received from 4 pm to 7:30 p.m. on June 12, 2012 at Goble-Baronick Funeral Home. A service will be held immediately following the visitation at 7:30 from the Funeral Home; all are welcome. Pastors Lance Tucker and Ray Beal will be officiating. A Memorial Service is being planned in July at the First United Methodist Church in DuBois. All family and friends will be invited. Interment will be at Oakmont Cemetery in Ridgway, Pennsylvania.
The family asks that memorial donations be made to DuBois First United Methodist Church, 100 West Long Avenue, DuBois 15801 or DuBois Regional Medical Center Hospice, 100 Hospital Avenue, DuBois, PA 15801. Online condolences may be sent to www.gbfuneralhome.com.
