Joseph "Joe" Gerald Cole

Joseph "Joe" Gerald Cole of Kingsville, Maryland, a devout Catholic and family man, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023 at age 87. Born to Samuel and Sarah Cole in The Bronx, New York, Joe became an avid Yankees fan at an early age and remained one throughout his life. He was also a devoted husband to his beloved late wife Joan Cole (nee Wanczyk) and a loving father to their three children. He is survived by his sons Robert Cole and wife Andrea, and Christopher Cole and wife Katie. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Elizabeth (Lisa) Ann Cole. Joe also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Kirby Cole Amoriello and her husband Michael, Casey Cole, Cullen Cole and Ian Cole, and dear great-grandson, Rhys Amoriello. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Joe was preceded in death by his siblings Dolores, Loretta, Jack, Ron, Bobby, Ted and Barbara.

Joe was a hardworking, down-to-earth, faith-filled, family man with a sense of humor that no one could match. He was as generous and gentle as a man could be, always placing his loved ones’ needs above his own. Joe served his country in the Navy aboard the USS Intrepid before meeting his wife Joan while working in an accounting office. They married, settled in Brooklyn, and were blessed with three children.

When an opportunity arose to advance in his field, Joe moved the family to Baltimore and started work for the Health Care Finance Administration in Woodlawn where he would ultimately have a career of 38 years, the first two achieved while attending night school at Loyola University to finish his degree and further the ability to provide for his family.

Together with Joan, Joe created a second family in their adopted hometown, forging bonds with the neighbors on Leith Walk that lasted well beyond the 22 years they lived there. As neighbors, they looked out for one another, shared cookouts and crabs, and marked many of life’s milestones; but they stayed in touch even after children grew up and neighbors left the block.

It was on Leith Walk that Joe developed his “Mr. Fix-It” skills, too. As a Navy veteran he was able to take an electronics class where he learned to solder (Chris still has the scar to prove it!) and went on to build radios and even a color TV. Joe also expanded his home renovations abilities on Leith Walk, and excelled at those too, hanging paneling, installing tile, and without a contractor even building a breakfast bar in the house, first demolishing a wall and then re-routing wires, figuring it out as he went. He then mastered automotive repairs and undertook oil changes, brake replacements, car radio installation and so much more. All these talents he tried to pass on to his children because he was the type of father who taught them not to be afraid to learn and try new things.

When the family moved to Hickoryhurst Drive in Perry Hall, Joe continued growing his family of friends. As one of the first homeowners in the development he welcomed many of the neighbors as they arrived, earning the nickname “The Mayor of Hickoryhurst.” Some of those original neighbors still keep in touch. Joe supported Joan as she transformed that house with décor and landscaping, while doing his part by hanging drywall, building shelving, installing fencing, and painting—so much painting!—even though it was a task he admittedly hated. This home also became a gathering place for family and friends, and the site of countless celebrations and many happy memories for more than 20 years.

Joe was as doting a grandpa as he was a father and poured his love into his grandchildren. He delighted as each one joined the family and took pride in all their accomplishments. He and Joan helped with babysitting whenever they could, and he was always ready to run to McDonalds (the kids’ favorite!), to the market to get treats or fixins’ for ham and cheese sandwiches, and to Toys R Us to get a new miniature horse or any other prized toy “just because.” Joe was also present on the sidelines and in the bleachers, watching and cheering as his grandkids grew, celebrating their sports events as well as their First Communions, Confirmations, proms and graduations.

Joe always kept his sense of humor and even in his later years could be counted on to bring a smile to your face, those bright blue eyes twinkling with a shared joke. He made everyone he spoke with feel special, paying compliments and lighting up the room with his grin when you came to visit. His enthusiasm for life, impeccable wit, and undying love for his family was evident at every moment he spent with them… and whenever he talked about them! He was a friend to many, a stranger to no one, and so very loved. He will be greatly missed.

A visitation with Joe’s family will be held at Schimunek Funeral Home, 9705 Belair Rd, Nottingham, MD 21236 on Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 8420 Belair Road, Nottingham, MD 21236. Interment to follow at the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the St. Joseph Catholic Church at 8420 Belair Road, Nottingham, MD, 21236. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.schimunekfuneralhome.com for the Cole family.