Walter A. Cole Sr.

Coventry, RI – Walter A. Cole Sr., 74, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI. He was the beloved husband of the late Janet A. (Edwards) Cole with whom, prior to her death on November 17, 2024, he shared 50 wonderful years of marriage. Born in Providence on August 17, 1951, to John and Alice (Wahl) Cole, he graduated from Central High School and lived in West Greenwich before moving to Coventry in 2013.

For 47 years, Walt was a toolmaker working for the former Metalart Buckle Company before branching off with Advanced Metal Concepts of North Attleborough, MA. Walter Sr and his son Walter Jr spent countless hours (and lots of swear words) rebuilding their 1969 Camaro. They loved their time together in the garage working on cars. Walter Sr could fix just about anything and passed his knowledge and expertise on to his son.

For more than 20 years the family enjoyed vacationing in Lake George, New York, the home of The Adirondack Nationals Car show. Walter enjoyed sitting on "the strip" with his family watching the classics parade, walking through the show of more than 1500 cars and visiting the vendor booths. He also enjoyed quiet time at the cabin with Janet sitting and watching the activity on the lake. From spring through fall Walter and Janet could be found enjoying time with fellow car enthusiasts at local car shows in Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut. His children and grandchildren would also enjoy time with them at these local events.

Walter and his late wife also bowled in a bowling league on Sundays. When the bowling season concluded they traveled to Atlantic City annually in June and had many pleasant memories with their fellow teammates. Papa enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports. He attended countless baseball games, football games, and wrestling matches in support of his grandchildren. He was active in all their achievements throughout their lives. Walt also enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots play (win or lose) with no band wagging on his part. A true fan.

Walter was the beloved father of Valerie Jencks (husband Robert Jr.), Walter A. Cole Jr. (wife Holly) and of his late infant son Shawn Michael Cole. He was a devoted Papa to his grandchildren Michael Bernardo (wife Amy), Matthew Bernardo, Shawn Cole, Tristan Jencks, Jolene Cole and Scott Cole. He was the proud great grandfather of Mia & Caleb Bernardo. He was the beloved brother of Lisa Seddon and the late Kevin Cole.

Walter's family gathered privately to honor and celebrate his life. After cremation, interment will be in St. Ann Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Janet, and their infant son, Shawn, and only after taking one last ride with his family in his '69 Camaro as they journey to the cemetery for his interment.

Memorial donations can be made in Walter's name to the Rhode Island Blood Center. 405 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 or online at https://www.ribc.org/. Condolences may be offered to his family and favorite memories of Walt shared online at www.carpenterjenks.com.