William H. (Bill) Cole

In Loving Memory of William (Bill) Cole
The Man. The Myth. The Legend.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, William (Bill) Cole, age 89, of Findlay Township, Imperial, PA, on Tuesday afternoon, August 5, 2025. A larger-than-life presence to all who knew him, Bill passed away surrounded by love. He leaves a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and unforgettable memories.

Bill is survived by the love of his life, Doris (Meacci) Cole, with whom he shared 69 years of marriage, and by his four devoted daughters: Jeanne, Cindy, Dina, and Kelly (Ken) Maniecki. Also mourning his loss are his cherished grandchildren: Kara, Elise, William (Maria), Abraham, Aaron (Dana), and Nick (Ashlee); along with ten treasured great-grandchildren: Giana, Ariana, Sophia, Dante, Kailah, Georgia, Thalia, Max, Jude, and Winnie. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Ella (Pritz) and Chester Cole, and his brothers, Paul Connelly, Rodney Cole, and J Cole.

A proud Irishman and veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served on the USS Iowa and traveled the world. Bill worked for TWA, starting as a ramp employee and retiring as a supervisor after 29 years of dedicated service - without missing a single day. His unmatched work ethic, integrity, and sense of duty made him a role model to many.

After he left TWA, Bill and Doris embraced a new adventure as the proud owners of Cole’s Pub. Together, they built Cole’s Pub into a cornerstone of the community, known for their unparalleled homemade food and welcoming atmosphere. From his seat at the corner of the bar, Bill provided wisdom and comedy to patrons, friends, and family alike. Come St. Patrick’s Day, everyone knew that when Bill raised his glass and began to sing, it was time to quiet down and listen up as he serenaded the pub with “Danny Boy.”

He always had a prank up his sleeve and a nickname for those he liked. Bill was a tinkerer, amateur inventor, a gambler with Irish luck, a spirited golfer, a woodworker, and a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates. He held a deep appreciation for a cold draft IC Light, “the nectar of God,” as he called it.

Bill had a rare gift for making people feel seen, heard, and remembered. He was a steadfast, loyal friend to many. Bill was truly one of a kind - gruff yet golden-hearted, witty yet wise, strong yet deeply sentimental. His spirit lives on in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and the love he poured into his family and community.

Cheers, Bill.  You will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Family to receive friends on Friday, August 8, 2025, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at HERRICK COMPASSIONATE FUNERAL SERVICE, PC, Edward M. Herrick, Supervisor/Owner, 951 Cliff Mine Road, North Fayette Township, Imperial, PA, (724) 695-7332, where a Blessing Service will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at St. Columbkille Cemetery with Military Honors.

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