Michael D. Cole, 71, of Harrington Park, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 in Lyon, France. Beloved husband of Marion (nee Ihnat). Loving father of Michael R. Cole and wife Karin of Verona and John B. Cole of London and Harrington Park. Adored grandfather of twins, James and Sydney. Dearest brother of Jane and brother-in-law of Nancy Ihnat.
Michael was a US Army veteran of Vietnam. He was a business professor at New Jersey City University after working in NYC for over 30 years.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 26, at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart RC Church, Tappan, NY with interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. Visiting hours are Friday 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave., Northvale (201-767-3050).
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
I had the distinct pleasure of working with and getting to know Professor Cole over the past year. As a new staff member, he made me feel welcomed and empowered to be a part of something truly special. Full of life and new ideas, Professor Cole was dedicated to improving the lives of our students. He is one of the most sincere and caring individuals that I have encountered. Professor Cole’s commitment to the students and the School of Business was exceptional and his lessons will live with me and all whom he touched for generations to come!
In addition to his devotion to the students, Professor Cole was always so proud to talk about those he loved most; his wife, children, and grandchildren. My prayers and warm thoughts go out to you at this difficult time.
Dear Marion and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Michael. I know he will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.
With deepest sympathy your cousin,
Arlene
Dear Marion, mine and Betty’s thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We were truly saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I will sincerely miss my friend of some 48 years, a friendship that began in Vietnam. May God bless you and your family and comfort you now and forevermore. With love and faith in Christ, Rocky and Betty
“One is very lucky to have a handful of true friends in life, and Michael was one of those for me for over 60 years.. We attended the same grammar school, the same high school, the same college, and experienced the ups and downs of all those bitter-sweet young-adult development years together. We both served as officers in the military. We both had the good fortune to marry loving and patient partners who were also incredibly dedicated mothers. Not surprisingly, our children grew up to have those strong values we inherited and believed in strongly.
We both worked in corporate America and through the many years since we always stayed close, getting together as often as our schedules permitted. Many times the two of us just got together to share a meal and discuss how to best approach those common issues we all had: relationships, career and work/life balancing, and, of course, parenting.
If I were asked to share what I felt were his his best qualities, first among many would definitely be his integrity, followed by dedication to family and his strong determination and grit to see the projects he was passionate about through to the end. He spoke to me often of his teaching experiences, and it seemed nothing gave him more satisfaction than to help unsure students to develop confidence in their abilities and to guide them in finding the best path to their career goals. Michael often told me that he considered that part of the work experience to be the most satisfying for him..
Let’s also never forget his incredible sense humor, which always seemed to pierce through even the darkest of situations to make you smile.
I will miss him dearly and remember him always.
May he rest in peace.”
Our condolences go to Mike’s family. We knew Mike through gatherings of Harvard swim parents at meets and events. His wit and intellect are well remembered. He was very proud of John’s swimming accomplishments.
We were saddened to hear of his passing and our prayers and thoughts go out to Marion, John and Michael at this most difficult time.
Michael was a much appreciated faculty member at New Jersey City University. His commitment to assisting his students was well known throughout the campus. He made a difference and will be missed.