Born and raised in Newton, New Jersey on February 16, 1937, Daniel, affectionately known as Dan, relocated to Milford in 1991.
Dan was a proud Korean War veteran who served in the United States Navy. He entered the Navy in September 1954 and received basic training at Bainbridge, Maryland. He completed Airman Preparation training in Norman, Oklahoma, and was assigned to Fighter Squadron VF-71, CAG 7, at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Shortly thereafter, his squadron boarded the U.S.S. Hornet (CVA-12) in San Diego, California, for a 9-month deployment in Korea and Japan. After returning to the U.S., Dan continued his service in Quonset Point until July 1957, when he shipped for shore duty at Pomona Naval Air Station in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In October of that year, Dan was taken to Philadelphia Naval Hospital and placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List, permanently retiring in February of 1963.
Dan retired as Chief of Police at Picatinny Arsenal in 1988 and later served as a New Jersey Superior Court Officer in Sussex County until August 8, 2008.
As an Honorary Lifetime Member of Pvt Peter S. Hotalen Post #157 in Branchville for the past 55 years and serving as Officer for a majority of that time, Dan also tended bar at the Post on Thursdays for over 30 years. His various roles within Post #157 included Judge Adjutant, Executive Board member, American Legion Baseball Chairman, and Memorial Day Parade Chairman for 30 years, among many more committees.
Dan’s dedication to the American Legion spanned over five decades, where he held leadership roles and served as Post Commander, County Commander, and National Executive Committeeman, among many other positions.
His life was marked by extensive service and leadership in veterans’ and community organizations. He was affiliated with numerous organizations, including:
• Veterans and Military Organizations: VFW Post 5360, Fleet Reserve Association, Disabled American Veterans, Korean War Veterans, United States Air Force Association, ANAVICUS, and American Legion Riders.
• Law Enforcement and Civic Groups: National Association of Chiefs of Police, Sussex County Police Officers Association, NJ Court Officers Association, Police Benevolent Association Local 112, NJ Exempt Firemen’s Association, Past Department Commanders Club, and the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.
• Fraternal and Community Groups: National Rifle Association, Elks B.P.O.E. #2356, and Masonic Lodge Harmony #8, 32nd Degree Mason – Scottish Rite Valley of Northern NJ.
A deeply devoted advocate for his community and country, Dan served on countless committees at the local, county, state, and national levels. He dedicated ten years on the National Security Council, eleven years on the National & Homeland Security Council, and four years with the Media Communication Commission.
In January 1959, Dan married his beloved wife of 66 years, Ruth. Together they raised two children, Teresa McGarry (Larry) and Daniel E. McCole Jr. (Domenic). Dan was the proud grandfather of Mellinda Stewart, Mellissa McCole, Lyndsey Brigham, Dustin McGarry, Anthony McCole, and Sheena Vanderhoff; and a loving great-grandfather to Eliza, Lucas, Braden, Conner, Gracie, Frankie, Maci, Jessie, Nathan, and Mia. He recently celebrated becoming a great-great-grandfather to Waylon, born in April 2024. Dan is also survived by his two brothers Robert McCole of Virginia, and Harold McCole of Delaware.
Dan’s life was one of service, dedication, and love for his family and community. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him as a pillar of his beloved community.
Visitation to honor Daniel’s memory will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 2 pm to 4 pm and from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Lafayette Township Fire Department, 126 NJ-15, Lafayette, NJ, with an American Legion Service at 7:30 pm, Masonic Service at 8 pm, and Firemen’s Service at 8:30 pm.
A funeral service with Military Honors will take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11 am at the Lafayette Township Fire Department.
Contributions in Daniel's memory may be made to Lafayette Twp Fire Department, P.O. Box 164, Lafayette Township, NJ 07848; and American Legion Post 157, P.O. Box 536, Branchville, NJ 07826.
