Ralph M. Cole

AFTON _ Ralph M. Cole, 76, of Afton, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at home.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nora; his children, Debra (Cole) and Fred Smith of Bainbridge, David and Paula Cole of Sidney, and Donna (Cole) and Robert Decker of Unadilla; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; his sister, Anethma (Cole) and Elton Ireland of Norwich; two stepgranddaughters; 14 stepgreat-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and countless cherished friends.
Ralph was born May 5, 1932, in Sherburne, the son of Maynard and Olive (Brush) Cole, and graduated from Sidney High School in 1950.
He had a wide variety of interests including music, travel, motorcycling, "Green" tractors, hunting, boating, camping, showing cattle, golf, basset hounds, computers, and old movies, to name a few, but most of all his children and grandchildren.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Sidney, a charter member of the Rolling Sprockets Motorcycle Club, and a member of the Elks, Masons and Sidney Boat Club.
He had an infectious enthusiasm for whatever he was doing and is sense of humor made an impact on all those who came in contact with him.
During his lifetime, he was a farmer, worked for the town of Sidney in the highway department, and was elected assessor. He worked at American Plastics, Scintilla, GLF and retired from Agway, after working in many facets of the company including manager of the Colliersville Energy Plant.
At his request, a memorial service will be held at the Sidney United Methodist Church with the Rev. Barbara Green, who has been a great comfort to Ralph and his family, at 11 a.m. ­­­Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, with burial at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bainbridge to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chenango County Hospice, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.
Arrangements by C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney.