William Irvin Cole

     William Irvin Cole, age 94, passed away on September 14, 2024 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford, PA. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (Cooper) Cole, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. Born in Chester, PA, he was the son of the late Hiram Cole and the late Bertha (Elliot) Cole.

     William graduated from Chester High School in 1948 where he played his lifetime favorite sport of basketball. He served our country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War during which time he was stationed in London, England. There he met his loving bride-to-be, Kathy. He was a member of Linwood United Methodist Church while raising his family in Boothwyn, PA.

     In 2005, Bill had the unique honor of representing Delaware in the US Senior Olympics. He helped take his team, the Korean War Vets, to a 5th place finish.

     Bill and Kathy fulfilled their retirement dreams of travel with wonderful friends and creating priceless memories that they cherished. He loved all levels of sport including Penn State Football; Johns Hopkins basketball and lacrosse, especially when his daughter, Kristin, was playing in the goal; and University of Kentucky basketball. But none more than watching the grandchildren in their chosen sports - ballet, equestrian, baseball, soccer, softball, cross-country, and gymnastics. Most of their retirement was spent at their custom home, designed by Bill, in Millsboro, DE before moving to Ware Presbyterian Retirement Community in 2019.

     In addition to his wife, Kathy, he is survived by his sister, Bertha Bennett; daughter, Lynn (Dan) Schaefer; son, William G Cole; daughter, Melisa (Mike) Ferriola; and daughter, Kristin (Jeff) Heard. He was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Amie (Tibault) DeFrate, Sara Schaefer, Michael Ferriola, Cole Heard, Madison Ferriola, Aiden Heard, and Nolan Heard. And four great-grandchildren, LeighAnn Bradford, Claire DeFrate, Tristan DeFrate, and Theo DeFrate.  Bill is also survived by nephews, Mark Bennett, Mike (Vicki) Bennett, Jan Bennett, and Jeff (Kathy) Bennett; and his extended beloved family in the UK.

     Friends and family are invited to a chapel service at 11:00 am on October 7, 2024 at Delaware Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, Delaware 19701.

     Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. To view Bill's online obituary and leave condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.