Joseph L. Cole

Joseph L. Cole, 66, Steelton, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the Osteopathic Hospital following a thankfully brief illness.

Born January 5, 1953 in Annville, (technically in a ditch in Annville, as he loved to say), he was the son of the late Joseph L. Murray and Dorothy (Noaker) Cole. In addition, he was preceded in death by his step-father, George “Skin” Cole.

Known to his co-workers as “Fonz”, he was a two-time retiree, first retiring from Bethlehem Steel after over 30 years as a Crane Operator and earlier this year from DuraBond.

He attended St. John’s Lutheran Church, Steelton and had been a member of the American Legion Post 420, Steelton.

He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam Era and enjoyed supporting the Phillies, Eagles and Steelers. He was an automobile and motorcycle enthusiast, and a talented tinkerer.

A devoted animal lover, he is deeply missed by his dog, Peanut, and two “grandcats”, Spooky and Midnight.

Surviving is his wife of 43 years, Dorothea “Dottie” K. (Huggins) Cole; 2 sons: Joseph L. M. Cole (and Kristin Packer), Steelton and David R. M. Cole, Steelton; his siblings: Ronald “Moose” Cole (and his wife, Christine), Doreen Cole-Rullo, Thomas Cole (and his wife, Sharon), and Gary Cole (and his wife, Corinne); and his step-mother, Mildred “Millie” Murray.

A memorial service  will be held 3:30 pm Saturday,  August 10, 2019 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 39 N. 2nd Street, Steelton, 17113. Friends will be received from 2:30 pm until the time of the service.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Humane Society of Greater Harrisburg, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.