SALEM – Mr. Gerald F. Cole, 82 of Salem, loving husband of Carmen E. (Radrigan) Cole, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers with his devoted family by his side.

Born in Lynn, Jerry was the son of the late Ted and Eleanor (Pevear) Cole. Jerry grew up in Salem and graduated from Saint Mary Boys High School in Lynn in 1959. During his teenage years, he worked at his father's business, the Salem Willows Amusement Park and at Ted Cole's Music Shop for many decades.

In August of 1960, he enlisted in the United States Army and trained as a mechanic of light observation planes. He was assigned to the 937th Engineer Company (Aviation), Panama Canal Zone and then supported geodetic surveys in Chile. He completed his active duty in June 1963 as a Specialist-4.

He began his civilian career in the aviation industry after attending East Coast Aero Technical School at Hanscom Field (Bedford). He began working for National Airlines as a licensed FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic. He later worked for Eastern Airlines in Boston and was member of the I.A.M. Machinist union for over 25 years. Afterwards he worked as an instructor at East Coast Aero Tech in Bedford.

He excelled in understanding the design and functionality of engineered items and the maintenance and repair of those items. His ability to understand troubleshooting for items ranging from a jet engine aircraft to simple at home items was second to none.

Jerry was an avid sports fisherman and enjoyed his time on the ocean. He loved sports and was an especially avid fan of Boston sports teams. He had always enjoyed dining out, often frequenting restaurants such as the Weatherwave, the Boathouse and his favorite Blue Marlin in Essex.

Jerry held special interest in nature ranging from the bears of Alaska to the pumas of South America. Whether it be a TV show on Animal Planet, or on National Geographic such as "Wicked Tuna" he always wanted to learn more about mother earth, He enjoyed looking at birds and spent time in the fall enjoying the fall foliage of New England. He liked diverse kinds of music and was fond of Buddy Holly and other artists of the 1950's.

Well-traveled, he enjoyed taking various trips with his family and friends to many of the 50 United States, Bermuda, Chile, China, Jamacia, Puerto Rico, and Germany. He especially enjoyed his trips to Ireland, with the comradery of his close friends.

In addition to his wife, Carmen of Salem with whom he shared 60 years of marriage, Jerry is survived by his son, George Cole, and his wife, Jessica; their children, Ciaran and Chiara, his daughter, Denise Orlando and her husband, David of Massachusetts; their children, Talia, and Nina; nieces, Michelle and Lisa and his brother in-law, Paul Audet of Salem. Jerry also has a brother-in-law, Patricio, and his wife, Lupe along with many nephews and nieces both in Chile and the United States.

Jerry was predeceased by his father, Ted Cole, his mother, Eleanor Cole, and Paula Audet (Cole) his younger sister.

ARRANGEMENTS: At Jerry's request, services for a burial at sea and a celebration of life arrangements will be made at a future date. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory may be made to Care Dimensions (Kaplan), 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or online at CareDimensions.org/Donate . To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Care Dimensions
75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers MA 01923
Web: https://www.caredimensions.org/