Ronald Norman Cole

Ronald N. Cole, died peacefully on July 12, 2021, at his home in Sunrise, FL, with his wife Barbara at his side.

Ron was born June 13, 1927, in Chicago, IL the son of Albert and Gerri (Simon) Cole. Ron graduated from Sullivan High School in 1945. Following graduation, he served his country with valor in the Army and Merchant Marines. After serving his country, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Kaplan. On September 11, 2021, they would have celebrated 72 years of marriage. It was a marriage that thrived with a wonderful family.

Ron loved his hometown of Chicago but headed to Sunrise, FL in 1994 to find warmer weather and enjoy a retirement lifestyle. Ron was always known as a good athlete, hard worker, family man and person of few words. No one worked harder than Ron to provide opportunities for his wife and their sons. He was proud of the successes they achieved.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his younger siblings, twin brother and sister, Larry and Marsha, and his grandson, Jeffrey. Ron is survived by his wife Barbara; their sons and their wives: Chuck and Deborah Cole of Chicago, IL and Marty and Terri Cole of Fort Lauderdale, FL; grandchildren: Michael and Klara Cole, Jack and Victoria Cole, Sam and Heather Cole, Jake and Liz Cole Bourgault, and Kira Cole; and six great grandchildren: Grace, Wyatt, Wells, Casey, Piper and Brooks (all Coles); his sister-in-law Mimi Cole; many nieces, nephews and their families (who called him Uncle Ronnie); and lots of cats and dogs.

Ron will long be remembered by his family for his ability to laugh (and cry), and some great one-liners. He did not say a lot, so we listened when he spoke. He seemed to have ‘nine lives’, surviving many medical scares that would have taken the lives of others. Each time he survived, rehabilitated, and moved on. Ron loved to eat and always staked a claim to the turkey leg at family holiday functions, but Barbara made sure he stayed fit and trim. We’re sure this enabled him to live a long and prosperous life. While he could more easily do so, he loved to read and watch TV; he enjoyed watching anything that was on television.

A memorial service and celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at 11:45 am EDT at Star of David Memorial Gardens at 7701 Bailey Road, North Lauderdale, FL. The family welcomes donations in Ron’s memory to the charity of your choice instead of flowers.