Dale Miah Cole

Dale Miah Cole, age 81, of Largo Fla., beloved father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2019 in Largo. Purposeful and resolute to the end, his strength of character, his unique sense of humor, his active intellectual life, and his devotion to family and friends are his lasting gifts to all of us who love him.

Born on February 26, 1938 in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, he was the only son and second of two children born to Miah and Florence (Rupert) Cole.

Dale's life led him to various parts of the world. Over 30 years of working for General Electric took him from Greenland to Utica, New York.  After G. E. Aerospace merged with Lockheed, Dale became a consultant for many national defense corporations including Raytheon, L3, Force Protection.  He recently retired  from L3 to his home in Largo. Dale was highly respected in the defense industries, working closely with all branches of the military. His wisdom and intelligence will be greatly missed.

Dale was tremendously warm and outgoing. He leaves behind many family members and many many friends. The word "stranger" was not in his vocabulary. He instantly made everyone comfortable with his friendly demeanor, great personality, sense of humor and strong character. He could tell a great story, but was also interested in "where you were from" and your life story. He will be deeply missed  by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren: Jeffrey Cole and his children Kiefer, Cassidy and Grayson of New Ringgold, PA; Michael (Debbie) Cole and their children, Anthony, Justin, and Michael of Groton, MA; Steven (Michelle) Cole and their children Zachary and Rachel of New Hartford, New York; two nephews  and  his former wife, Jeanne Roberts, of Utica, New York. He was preceded in death  by his sister, Margaret J. "Peggy" Stewart on October 23, 2015.

All who knew him will recall he always had positive words and patience for others, was extraordinarily generous with his time and resources. His wit, memory, and personal charm were undimmed until the last.. Dale touched the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. He would want all to remember him with his beliefs and thoughts: live to love, love to live, live life to the fullest. He was at peace with his life and his final transition was graceful.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at 12 noon in the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg, PA. Interment will follow in New Rosemont Cemetery, Bloomsburg. The family will receive friends from 9 a. m. till the time of the service.

Following the interment, a celebration of Dale's life will be held at the Bloomsburg Elks Lodge,  1223 Old Berwick Road, Bloomsburg from 1:30 to 6:30 p. m.

The family encourages memorial donations on behalf of Dale to either Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Columbia County, 37 W. Main St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or to the American Cancer Society  ( Columbia County Unit),  1948 E. Third St., Williamsport, PA 17701.