NORTHBOROUGH

Arthur Cole, 95, of Worcester, formerly of Northborough, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sept 18, 2024, with loving members of his family by his side.

Arthur was born in Worcester on April 16, 1929, son of the late F. Everett Cole and Ruth (Emerson) Cole. He is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Barbara (Tobin) Cole; four loving children, John Cole and his wife Martha, of Trenton, ME, Nancy Cole and her husband Peter Rodegast of West Tisbury, David Cole and his wife Kimberly Foster, of Boylston, Peter Cole and his wife Vanessa, of Leominster; three adoring grandsons, Ian Cole and his wife Norma Madrid of NH, Stuart Rodegast of West Tisbury, and Nicholas Cole of Leominster; three cherished granddaughters, Katie Cole and her partner Fred Smigiel, of NH, Emily Rodegast and her partner Russom Woldezghi, of Washington DC, and Erin O'Brien and her husband William, of NY; one great-grandson Sampson and one great grand-daughter Ada, both of Washington, DC., and several nieces and nephews. Arthur was pre-deceased by two sisters, Margie and Evy, both of CA, and two brothers, Paul of Nassau, Bahamas, and Calvin of NC..

Arthur was a 1947 graduate of Northborough High School and played basketball on the high school team which (he claimed) beat the NCAA Div 1 Champions Holy Cross Crusaders in a charity scrimmage. He went on to matriculate from University of Massachusetts with a degree in History. Soon after graduation, in 1951, Arthur and Barbara were married and moved to Syracuse, NY, where Arthur was stationed as an Army intelligence officer. After the Korean war had ended, upon their return to Massachusetts he became a history teacher at his former high school for several years before starting Cole & Lizotte, a contracting business in 1960 with Phillip Lizotte. In 1978 the corporation was renamed Arthur Cole Painting Corporation, and is currently managed by two of Arthur's sons, David and Peter.

Arthur always thought it important to give back to his community. He loved the town of Northborough and his experiences and friends while growing up and throughout his adult life there. Over these years, Arthur was a volunteer firefighter during the latter years of WW ll, served on the town's School Committee, was a Trustee of the Northborough Public Library, and served as a Town Assessor for 26 years. At age 71, Arthur started the Northborough Trails Committee, serving as the Chairman during the initial five years of this group. Arthur was proud to see the NTC would soon grow to include a remarkable team of volunteers that negotiated access through both private and state owned lands, designing and now managing dozens of public-accessible trails. In 2014, Arthur was selected as the Grand Marshall of Northborough's Annual Apple Fest Parade, honoring his service to the community he loved.

A celebration of Arthur's life will be held at a future date with time and location to be announced, once set. Arthur's family respectfully request contributions in his name be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children (dontate.lovetotherescue.org), or by calling 844-739-0849.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hays Funeral Home. To leave a condolence or gesture of kindness for the family, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.