Ezel Coles

Ezel Coles was born on June 4th, 1930, to the late Potter Coles and Willa Mae Walker in Sylvania, Georgia. On January 11th, 2023, Ezel was called home.
From a large family, Ezel was one of six boys and three girls. As a child Ezel and his family moved north and settled in Newark, NJ where he was educated in the Newark Public School system by attending Robert Treat Elementary School and Arts High School. An Army veteran Ezel served in the Korean War where he used his skill as a sketch artist creating materials that assisted Officers in the war effort.
In 1968 Ezel wed Carolyn Garretson. Following a long career working in New York's Meat Packing District he retired in 1988.
A man who enjoyed life, Ezel valued long and deep bonds of friendships with a tight knit group that some family members affectionately referred to as his "Ratpack". Ezel was a music lover with an enviable album collection diverse in genres ranging from swing to jazz to R&B and classical. A true fan of Frank Sinatra, you could often hear the music wafting from his apartment. A dapper dresser with a quick stride, he was outgoing, charismatic and high spirited. Ezel Coles was the life of everyone's party.
Ezel had a creative side. In addition to his skill in drawing he also had a penchant for photography. In sports, track and field, boxing and football captured his enthusiasm as he would boisterously recount each record-breaking sprint, powerful knockdown or dazzling play into the end zone.
Ezel is predeceased by his wife Carolyn and his siblings. He is survived by three sons, Dean (Mary Grace), Marshal and James Jr.; one granddaughter, Crystal Lynn; four grandsons, Dean Garretson Jr., Charles Paden, James H. Young III., and Wheeler Willis Young; and one great granddaughter, Brielle Young. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Along with his dazzling grin, Ezel's warm and loving spirit is eternally etched in our hearts.
This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Ezel Coles. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.