Lawrence J. Cole

WWII Veteran, Adventurer, BenefactorLEBANON - Lawrence ]. Cole; 80, of N. E. Pond, West Lebanon, died on May 11, 2002 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.He was born May 27, 1921 in New York City, son of Lillian Cole, nee Cahill. Orphaned very early in life, he was raised in various NYC foster homes. He graduated from the High School of Commerce. Following his U.S. Army duty during WWII, he received his B. A. in business from Pace University.From 1942-1945, he served with the 82nd Airborne, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment as a Field Medic and as a First Supply Sergeant. A highly decorated paratrooper, he jumped into active combat in Sicily, Italy, Normandy, and Holland. He also fought during the Elbe River Crossing and the Battle of the Bulge in which he was wounded attempting to secure an ammunition truck while under heavy enemy fire.An adventurer and computer specialist, Larry worked with Texaco in the oil fields of rural Venezuela in the 1950s. In the 1960s, employed by RCA, he tracked missiles and satellites through their Ballistic Missile Early Warning System in Thule, Greenland. He worked in many capacities in the computer industry throughout his career and volunteered in several organizations serving children with special needs in NYC.Upon moving to Lebanon in 1984, he continued his tireless volunteering. United Way of York County awarded his work in their fund-raising campaigns. He served on the boards of Literacy Plus, Tomorrow's Promise Childcare Center of Biddeford, the Parent Resource Center and Literacy Volunteers of Greater Sanford. He cherished cooking for the youngsters at The Children's Center-Sanford and for various community agencies including the York County Child Abuse and Neglect Council. He enjoyed mentoring his little brother through Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America.As a member of the Sanford-Springvale VFW Memorial Post 9935m, he was devoted to his veteran comrades. He was a life member of the Disabled Veterans of America, the American Legion and The Veteran of Foreign Wars National Home. Each year, he eagerly anticipated nationwide reunions with his war buddies.An avid golfer and reader, he also thoroughly enjoyed gourmet cooking, entertaining friends, watercolor painting, bird watching, and fishing. An accomplished singer, he also treasured jazz and jam sessions.He is survived by his wife Marcia; daughter Patricia Ann Cole of New York; step-son, Daniel Fernald of Conyers, GA and step-grandson Isaiah and step-grandson Gideon, expected in late May; two nephews, one grandnephew and two grandnieces.A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 16th at 5:30pm at the Heald Funeral Home 580 Main Street in Springvale. Burial will be at the Veteran's Cemetery in Augusta at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Literacy Volunteers of Greater Sanford, Suite 101, 21 Bradeen Street, Springvale, ME 04083.