Gordon Frederick Cole

Worcester, Vermont

Gordon F. Cole, a lifetime resident of Worcester, Vermont passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, one day after his 96th birthday.

Gordon was born on July 6, 1928, in Worcester, Vermont to William R. Cole and Bertha (Witham) Cole.

Gordon's mother Bertha passed away shortly after the birth of one of Gordon's sisters Bertha (formerly named Ada) in 1932. Gordon's father left him and his siblings to be raised by their Grandmother Blanche and their Uncle Hiram Witham. Had Gordon's life not played out in this way he would have never had the opportunity to develop such a bond with Hiram and learn the woodworking and skills that he did. Gordon was very grateful for his time with Uncle Hiram, Grandmother Blanche as well as other family experiences and learning opportunities.

Gordon attended Montpelier High School where he earned his diploma in June of 1947. During the school year, Gordon lived with his Uncle Stanley and aunt Dorothy Witham in Montpelier. After High School Gordon moved to Springfield to a farm with Stanley and Dorothy that they purchased where he was able to learn and work on the farm.

Gordon married Viola Cole on November 3, 1949, in East Montpelier, VT. Gordon and Viola had one very creative and enthusiastic son Clyde Cole in 1951. Gordon and Viola wished to have more children but were unable to. Viola unfortunately passed away in 1996.

Gordon and his son Clyde have always had a very strong bond, they did everything together and supported each other like brothers. Worcester, Vermont has a way of growing strong families and unbreakable bonds. Especially those connected to or a part of the Witham family. They would both also attend the notorious Witham Family Reunion in the summers in Vermont.

Gordon made a 40-year-plus career at National Life Insurance Group where he worked as a photo lab technician until his retirement in 1988.

Gordon had a love for photography and film development like no other. He had a dark room at his home in Worcester where he would process film and photographs. Gordon and his son Clyde liked to discuss photography and its intricacies as well as history. He used his trusty 35mm camera, where he would shoot weddings and other special events. Gordon was a member of the Worcester Historical Society where he worked on digital processing of historic photos for the town.

Gordon was preceded in death by his loving wife Viola Cole, mother Bertha Cole, father William Cole, favorite uncle Hiram Witham and his siblings, and Grandmother Blanche Witham.

Gordon is survived by his precious and only son Gordon Cole also of Worcester, VT where they shared a home.

Services will be held at the Worcester United Methodist Church in Worcester, VT on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Calling hours will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, and funeral services at 11:00 am, followed by interment at the Worcester Mountain Cemetery. A reception at WUMC for family and friends will follow the graveside service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Worcester United Methodist Church PO Box 125 Worcester, VT 05682.

Arrangements are in the care of Guare and Sons Funeral Home of Montpelier, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.