Floyd Walter Cole

Floyd W. Cole, age 84, a long time resident of Trumansburg, NY, passed on September 13, 2025 at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Floyd was born in Oneida, NY June 29, 1941, the son of Walter A. and Margaret Tillema Cole. He attended Oneida schools and Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School and graduated from VVS in 1959. He matriculated to Albany College of Pharmacy and graduated in 1963. He then began a career as a pharmacist that was to last until his retirement more than 40 years later.
After graduating he worked in Canastota and Rome before moving to Trumansburg in 1968 to work at Brooks Pharmacy in the former Co-Op Shopping Plaza in Ithaca. When Brooks ceased to exist in 1978 he bought the store and renamed it Cole Pharmacy and ran it until 1981. He then worked at Mack's Pharmacy in the Ithaca Plaza until 1987 at which time he made a change from retail pharmacy to health systems pharmacy. Over the next 20 years he worked at the Seneca Army Depot, Willard Psychiatric Center, Schuyler Hospital and Chemung Nursing Facility.
Floyd was a lifelong Episcopalian and a member of the Ithaca Loyal Order of Moose and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He had many interests including gardening, the fruits of which he enjoyed sharing with friends and neighbors. He was comfortable in the kitchen and especially liked to use the bounty that he had grown. He enjoyed reading and was very interested in upstate history. His family had dogs from when he was a toddler and he continued having one dog after another as an adult. As a child he used to go to Labrador Retriever Field Trials with his uncle and dad. In later years he found a special place in his heart for Gordon Setters, dogs shows, and field trials. As an adult he had a liking for cats as well, and a visitor to his home would often find a cat making friends with his guests. His passion for humane treatment of animals intensified as he grew older and he championed the cause of those animals who could not speak in their own defense.
In 1981 he married the love of his life, Alice Decker of Ithaca. That marriage was full of love and devotion and lasted until his passing. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Dr. June M. Cole. He is survived by his wife Alice and a daughter from his previous marriage-Melanie Cole (Ron Bidwell) of Trumansburg, NY. Also surviving him are two grandchildren-William Mehlenbacher (Rachel) and great granddaughter Millie of Montana and Lynn Mehlenbacher (Elliot Taylor) of Trumansburg, NY. He is survived by a brother, Warren (Pat) Cole of Tucson, AZ and a brother-in-law Ben Decker of Rancho Cucamonga, CA. In addition, he is survived by a niece and several nephews.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Herson Wagner Funeral Home, 110 S. Geneva St., Ithaca, NY. Calling hours will be held on Saturday September 20 from 10 AM until Noon at Herson Wagner Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date in 2026. Contributions may be made to Beverly Animal Shelter, 50 E. River Rd., Waterloo, NY or your favorite animal charity.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Funeral text of Girden Stuart, Barrington TWP, Yates County, 1893