Obituary of Gerald P. Cole

May 25, 1939 - October 2, 2017

Gerald P. Cole.  Age 78 of Wyandotte.  Beloved husband of Patricia Cole.  Loving father of Debra (Michael) Juday, Gerald Cole and Kelly (Justin) Keyes.  Dearest grandfather of Megan (Nicholas) Juday Sbroglia, Sarah Juday, Emily Juday, KC Keyes, Cameron Keyes and Kate Keyes.  Dear brother of Thomas John (Judie) Cole, the late Daniel Cole and the late Lawrence Cole.  Brother in law of Lynette Cole.

Gerald served on the Board of Education of the Wyandotte School District for 21 years.  He also served as chairman of the board of Wyandotte General Hospital and emeritus board member of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, as well as various other Wyandotte commissions for over 40 years.  In addition, he also worked as an insurance agent for 45 years at Daly Merritt Insurance, and spent 45 years as an official with MHSAA.

Memorial contributions to the Wyandotte Public School Scholarship Fund are appreciated.   

FAMILY TRIBUTE

Gerald Patrick Cole

was one of 4 brothers, a twin to brother, Larry, and lived in Wyandotte his entire life.  Raised Catholic,  he graduated from St. Patrick’s and was close to his classmates, who he always kept in touch with.  He attended Michigan State, was a football walk-on, and later went into the Army, eventually becoming stationed in Germany.  When he returned home, he attended Wayne State and found his career niche at Daly Merritt Insurance, staying with them for 45 years. 

He loved Wyandotte, was very involved in the community and was active in service groups such as: Jaycees, K of C, Kiwanis, PRCU; and began participation in City Commissions, winning awards for his public service. The City and School District had planned a surprise award to be given on October 12.  It will be known as the Gerald P. Cole Lifetime Achievement Award.  His contributions to those in need, to the school community, and to the City over his entire lifetime have made a real difference.  

From 1972-1993, he was a Wyandotte Board of Education Member and was the President of the Board frequently.  He chaired bond issues and was always supportive of the public schools. The fact that 3 of his children graduated from Roosevelt High School was something he was proud of.  In addition, he was a charter (and current) member of the Wyandotte Public Schools Scholarship Foundation. 

Gerald was appointed to the Wyandotte General Hospital Commission in 1988, working to improve their services also.  He was instrumental in the sale to the Henry Ford Health System; even honored for his leadership and given Board Member Emeritus status.

His avocation of officiating high school athletic events—baseball, softball, basketball, and football for 45 years—gave him much enjoyment.  The Hall of Fame for Catholic High School Athletic League elected him and he was also honored for 45 years of service with the Michigan High School Athletic Association.  Active in the Wyandotte Athletic Association as well, he was awarded the Frank Palamara Award for his long-term service to the youth and community of Wyandotte in 2004.  He has been a member of the Downriver YMCA Board of Directors and was recognized for his work with them as well.

Of all the things he was involved in, his family was most important and he was the center of it.  His older brother, Danny (deceased); his twin brother Larry (deceased; married to Lynette); and little brother Tommy (married to Judie) were the “Cole Brothers.”  He lost his Dad, Leonard Cole, when he was in the service, much too early, but became close to his stepfather, Don Knapp, when his mom, Margaret remarried.  His 3 children were his pride and joy:  Debra Juday (Michael); Gerald P. Cole, Jr.; and Kelly Keyes (Justin).  He was even prouder of his 6 granddaughters:  Megan Sbroglia (Nick); Sarah Juday; Emily Juday; KC Keyes; Cameron Keyes; and Kate Keyes, all who he loved teasing and spoiling.  He was married to Patricia for over 35 years and her family became his family too.  Together, they enjoyed all of the family’s special occasions, traveling every year, and good restaurants. 

Jerry’s friends were friends for life.  He was respected, well liked and enjoyed helping people to make a difference.  He enjoyed “arguing”, teasing, and joking with those close to him and was known for his confidence, opinions, being well dressed, helpful, and having a personality that was unique. He was definitely the kind of person that did things “His Way.”  Gerald will be missed so much by so many people.