Foster Nathaniel Cole

Foster Nathaniel Cole, affectionately known to family and friends as "Bubba," peacefully transitioned from this life on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center, surrounded by close family and friends who loved him dearly. He was 80 years old.
Born on February 10, 1945, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Foster was the son of the late Henry Nathaniel Cole and Annie Mae Cole. He was raised in Riegelwood, North Carolina, by his loving grandparents, the late Mary J. Spears Cole and Rev. Aaron Cole, Jr., who instilled in him the values of faith, discipline, and compassion.
Foster attended Armour High School, graduating with the Class of 1964. Shortly after graduation, he relocated to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he lived with his parents before beginning his career at Textron Incorporated in Newington, Connecticut, as a Lab Chemist.
In 1974, Foster met and married the love of his life, Bessie Mae Cole. Together, they shared 51 wonderful years of marriage - a union grounded in love, respect, and devotion. Their bond was a true testament to faith, endurance, and unwavering commitment. They built a warm and welcoming home where family always came first. After Bessie's passing on July 8, 2025, Foster often spoke of her with deep affection, finding comfort in knowing they would one day be reunited in God's care.
Foster was known for his steady hands, curious mind, and humble heart. A natural problem-solver, he loved working with his hands and had a keen appreciation for technology. His strong work ethic guided him throughout life. Retiring after more than 30 years with Textron, Foster continued serving others as a van driver at Westover Job Corps in Chicopee, Massachusetts, and later as a school bus driver for First Student, Inc., where he worked for over 15 years.
A devoted member of Bethesda Apostolic Pentecostal Church in New Britain, Connecticut, Foster lived his faith quietly and consistently. He was a man of integrity, wisdom, and grace - someone whose presence made others feel seen, valued, and loved.
Foster found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time with family, sharing laughter, fixing things, and helping anyone in need. He was also a passionate motorcycle enthusiast and car drag racing fan. Many will fondly remember him by his CB radio handle, "Bad Daddy."
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Nathaniel Cole and Annie Mae Cole; his beloved wife, Bessie Mae Cole; his son, Alexander Seal; his grandson, Kirk James Rideaux; and his grandparents, Mary J. Spears Cole, Rev. Aaron Cole, Jr., and Charlie and Frances B. (Jackson) Malloy.
Foster leaves to cherish his memory his loving brother, William Allen Cole of Indian Orchard, MA; and his devoted children: Foster Cole, Jr. of Springfield, MA; Lawrence Rideaux of Springfield, MA; Kirk Rideaux of Manchester, CT; Jay D. Seal of Springfield, MA; and Eric Cole, Sr. of Springfield, MA.
He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Keith Rideaux, Kevin Rideaux, Deschaine Griffin (Christopher), Ramona Hicks, Jade Brown (Helton), Joseph Seal (Aaliyah), Joseph P. Mendes, Zhanae Cole, Mya Cole, Eric Cole, Jr., Mia Thompson, and Autumn Thompson; and his great-grandchildren: Essence Hicks, Ashanti Hicks, Ionna Rideaux, Kevin Rideaux, Jr., Crishane Griffin, Jai'Vian Griffin, and Jeremiah Brown.
Foster also leaves behind 11 aunts and uncles, his beloved cousin Cynthia Shaw, whom he was raised with like a sister, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly and forever cherish his memory.
Though he is no longer with us in body, Foster's legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know him.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Foster, please visit our floral store.