Arthur Parker Cole

PORTSMOUTH - Arthur "Art" Parker Cole, 91, a long-time resident of Rye and a native of Lebanon, N.H., passed away on Monday, October 8, 2018 at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital, after a brief illness.

He was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, on August 31, 1927, the son of Parker K. and Olive T. (Gardner) Cole. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Carol Seybolt Cole, and by his five sisters and two brothers.

He was a graduate of Lebanon High School, Class of 1945 and received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1952. He served in the United States Army just after World War II, where he assisted with the assimilation of troops returning home to the U.S.

Mr. Cole spent his entire career working for several family enterprises, rising to General Manager of Seybolt Motors/Portsmouth Chrysler Plymouth, President of Seybolt Oil/WeatherWatch Heating and proprietor of Portsmouth Truck Center.

He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, serving as Club President in 1980-81. He initiated Rotary's annual Christmas Tree Sale and was active in the district student exchange program. He was a member of the Board of Trustees – Mark Wentworth Home in the mid-1980's. He also served as a volunteer fireman and Cub Scout leader while residing in New Castle. He was an early supporter and Treasurer of Seacoast Crime Stoppers. He was a long-time member of the Unitarian-Universalist Church (South Church), where he served on numerous committees, including managing the South Church's portion of South Cemetery for many years.

Art enjoyed traveling with Carol and friends, skiing, camping, hiking, boating, golfing, working in his garden and tinkering.

Carol was the love of his life. He often said that the best day of his life was the day he proposed. Her reply, "Yes, and I was hoping you would ask."

Survivors include three sons, John P. Cole and wife Doreen of Livonia, Michigan, David A. Cole of Rye and Boulder, Colorado, and Andrew J. Cole and wife Carla of Rye; four grandchildren, Allison and Robert Cole of Livonia, Michigan, Caden and Parker Cole of Rye; numerous nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: A private memorial service will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Unitarian-Universalist Church (South Church), Rotary International or a charity of your choosing. Visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral home – Buckminster Chapel.