Ronald Walter "Ron" Cole

Dover, NH -- Ronald (Ron) Walter Cole, 92, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, of Dover, NH, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Sunday, December 28, 2025. He was born on April 22, 1933 to Linwood Raymond Cole and Bertha (Smith) Cole. He was a lifelong resident of Dover.
Ron graduated from Dover High School class of 1951. Like so many of his generation, he was drafted into the Army and proudly served two years during the Korean conflict. After his military service he built his career at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where he worked as a shipfitter 33 years, retiring in 1988. After retirement, he was employed by the City of Dover in a custodial position at the Henry Law Indoor Swimming Pool for seven years. He thoroughly enjoyed being a delivery driver for Meals on Wheels for 10 years.
Ron enjoyed playing card games and cribbage. He watched World War II documentaries, the History channel and nature shows. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, proudly cheering them on through every season. He was an active member of Hope Community Church in Dover, NH. where he found fellowship and purpose. His life reflected the values he believed in: service, humility, kindness and gratitude.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Linwood Raymond Cole and Bertha (Smith) Cole, brother Raymond Cole and his twin brother Richard Cole.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Lura L. (Wood) Cole and his five children: Cynthia (Cole) Wersosky of Chesapeake, VA (Michael-deceased); Ronald Cole, Jr. (Sandy Woodman) of Barrington, NH; Bradford Cole of Somersworth, NH; Vicky (Cole) Couture (Glenn) of Stark, NH; and Kenneth Cole of Silverdale, WA. Surviving siblings include Roy Cole of Rochester, NH; Barbara Smith (Robert) of Brewer, ME; and Marilyn Bailey of Tampa, FL. His 9 grandchildren include Christine Duncan, Michael Wersosky II, Autumn Allen, Lance Haynes, Samantha Parnham, Sean Cole, Amanda Ostrouch, Daniel Shaw and Jonathan Shaw. He had 26 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
There are no immediate services planned at this time. A private burial with Military Honors will take place at Boscawen Veteran's Cemetery at a future date.