Obituary of L. Russell Cole

Margaret “Margie” Cole had temporarily terminated her affair of 64 years with L. Russell Cole, to be resumed at another time in another place. L. Russell “Rus” Cole has made his final journey and answered his final call, joining his wife “Margie” to continue their 64 year affair which was interrupted by her passing on October 25, 2008. Rus, at age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 26, 2013 at the Fireman’s Home in Hudson. He was born at the family homestead on March 3, 1923 to the late Leland and Marion Chadderdon Cole. He was the second of five children and the only son. After graduating from SUNY Cobleskill in 1943, he married Margie on October 21, 1944 and lived in Cairo and the family homestead until entering the Fireman’s Home in August 2009. Rus belonged to many farm related and civic organizations. He joined the EDVFC in 1943 which was the beginning of a long series of positions from firefighter to President of the Greene County Fireman’s Assoc. Rus also served a four-year term as Durham Town Councilman. Russell leaves behind three daughters, Meredith Lake (Tom) of Spotsylvania, VA, Linda Larsen (Robert) of East Durham and Laurie Jennings (David) of Cairo; grandchildren, Jamie Lake,, Robert R. Larsen (Susanna) , Michelle Van Pelt , Amanda Viscusi (Frank) , Tracey and Russell Jennings; great-grandchildren, Monica and Alisha Bodine and Cole Van Pelt, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Rus also leaves behind two sisters, Lois Vendon of Cornwallville and Janice Crone (Robert) of Corinth, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Mackey and Beverly Lauretta Jennings. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday May 30 at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. The funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, The Rev. Reay Mahler and Rev. Victor Nelson will officiate, with burial immediately following at the Winston Cemetery in East Durham. In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to the EDVFC, Town of Durham Ambulance and the Fireman’s Home in Hudson. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.