GRAFTON: Richard A. Cole Jr., 82, passed away after a brief illness December 2, 2022. He is leaves his adoring family; his wife of 61 years, Alice (Atherton), son Richard A. Cole and his wife Patricia, daughter Rebecca Cole, his grandchildren Stephanie Wojdag, Charles Norgard, Allicyn, Samantha, Sandra and Richard Cole III and great-granddaughter Rae Lynn Norgard and one niece and one nephew. He was predeceased by his daughters Mary and Lena. Richard was born February 13, 1940 in Ware, MA, son of the late Mary (Zelaska) and Richard Cole. He grew up in Brookfield and then moved to Grafton where he lived with his family for more than 50 years. He served proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. For many years he worked as a Machine Operator at Jeffco Fibres Inc. in Webster, MA.
Away from work Richard loved softball, was a long-time member of the Grafton Girls Softball League and coached for many years as well. He also was involved in scouting in Millbury having served as Scout Leader for Troop 109. Above all else he looked forward to time with his grandchildren who will dearly miss their beloved “Grandpa”.
All are welcome to gather with Richard’s family and friends Friday December 9th from 4pm to 7pm at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton, MA 01536. A Prayer service will be held Saturday December 10, 2022 at 10am in the funeral home. He will then be laid to rest with military honors at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers please remember Richard with a donation to Boy Scout Troop 243 307 Boston Road Sutton MA 01590 or The Grafton Girls Softball League PO Box 80 Grafton, MA 01519. A Book of Memories to share a message with Richard’s family is available at:
www.RoneyFuneralHome.com