Gordon R. Cole, 85, of Spencer, died Thursday, August 5th at his home following an illness.

He was the husband of Rebecca B. (Langley) Cole who died in 2017. He leaves his son Gordon R. Cole, Jr. and his wife Katherine of Sturbridge, his daughter Sharalynne A. Fife, and her husband Larry of Princeton, his daughter Staci L. Cole of Spencer, daughter-in-law Terry Cole of Laytonsville, MD, a brother James Cole of Holden, 6 grandchildren: Jonathan and Mathew Cole, Sonya Tarrant, Christopher Fife, Meeghann Cole, Stephanie Cole, 4 great grandchildren: Rebekah, Elaina, Nolan, and Daphne, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by son Andrew L. Cole, brother Bruce Cole and sister Janet (Cole) Joinville.

Gordon was a Systems Analyst for State Mutual Insurance in Worcester before retiring in 1993. He later worked for Cole Contracting for 10 years.

Born in Worcester, Gordon was the son of Russell and Maragaret (Lawson) Cole. He graduated from the former Holden High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Babson College in Wellesley.

Gordon was active in the former St. John’s Episcopal and St. Luke’s Episcopal Churches, where he was a longtime member along with his wife. He enjoyed candlepin bowling, was a fan of New England sports teams, and was proud of his annual family vacations to Sandbridge Beach, VA.

His funeral will be held on Monday, August 9th, at 10 a.m. in St. Luke’s Espicopal Church, 921 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA. Friends are asked to go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday, August 8th, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terrace, Spencer. Memorial donations may be made either to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 921 Pleasant St., Worcester 01601 or to FRAXA.org., which supports Fragile X research.