George Martin Cole

George Martin Cole, 87, of Homosassa, FL, passed away on Mon., Aug. 21, 2023 at HPH Hospice Care Center in Brooksville, FL. A native Jamaica, Queens, N.Y., he was born May 8, 1936 to Raymond and Mary (Burns) Cole, one of three children. Mr. Cole served his country honorably and proudly from 1953 to 1956 in the United States Army’s 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper. He then began a long 40 year career as a firefighter for the City of New York, retiring at the rank of Battalion Chief. George moved to Homosassa 24 years ago from East Patchogue, L.I., N.Y. and was a parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Mr. Cole loved the game of bowling and once bowled a perfect game at Manatee Lanes in Crystal River. George’s perfect day would include gardening in his yard and walking his beloved dog, Frito, twice a day. In addition to his parents, Mr. Cole was preceded in death by his siblings, Penny and Raymond. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda Mary Cole of Homosassa; his six children: Amanda Vazquez of Oldsmar, FL; John Sherry (Beverly) of East Norwich, N.Y.; Kathleen Knightly (George) of Lecanto, FL; Tracy Gibrall (Paul) of Virginia Beach, VA; Michael Cole (Jordanne) of Dunedin, FL and Matthew Cole (Melissa) of Ruskin, FL and ten grandchildren: Nicole (Kevin) of Oldsmar, FL; Alex, Breanna and Christian of Orlando, FL; Ryan (U.S. Navy) of Maryland; Skye of Charleston, SC; Sierra and Deryck of Spring Hill, FL; D.J. of Oldsmar, FL Kristopher of New Port Richey, FL; Justin of Tampa and Timmy of Tarpon Springs. Friends will be received on Fri., Sept. 1, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, where a Celebration of Life will commence at 11:30 A.M. with Deacon Mark Manko of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church officiating . Military Honors will follow at 2:00 P.M. at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL with the Florida Army National Guard rendering honors. www.wilderfuneral.com