Roger F. Cole of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts -- a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather -- left us on October 14, 2024, after experiencing complications following a surgery. He was 81 years old, and his memory will forever remain in our hearts.

Roger was born on February 7, 1943, in Springfield, Massachusetts to his beloved mother, Lillian Cole (Dutkiewicz). He grew up in Western Massachusetts, working as a picker and then supervisor on tobacco plantations in the Connecticut River Valley, where he developed a strong appreciation for those who work the land. After graduating from American International College and earning his MBA from UMass Amherst, at the age of 22, Roger became the youngest faculty member ever appointed at Cape Cod Community College, where he taught business law and accounting. For 38 years, he dedicated himself to his work, earning numerous teaching awards and accolades along the way.

In addition to teaching, he had a real passion for advising students and guiding them to obtain their career goals. Roger considered that the lack of support from his father in obtaining an education caused him to never lose sight of students, preaching that students’ career paths should be defined by “purpose, persistence, and passion.” He could not have imagined having enjoyed any other career more.

Roger loved people and liked stimulating reactions with his sometimes dry and sometimes quirky sense of humor. But music was Roger’s true passion. He played his baby grand piano at home whenever he could and also toured the local adult assisted-living facilities to bring the residents their weekly dose of popular tunes. And with his bass voice, he also developed a passion for performing in musical plays and singing with the Mid-Cape Chorus and Yarmouth Senior Center Singers as well as the male choir “We Are The Men,” who he sang with in 2018 at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Roger’s greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted husband to Elizabeth for 52 beautiful years, a loving father to Stephanie Cole of Sandwich, David (Peggy) Cole of Fairfax, Virginia, Carolyn (Allen) Pomroy of North Andover, and an adoring “Papa” to Millie. He was also the proud older brother of Jerome (Beth) Cole of Cambridge, Vermont. Roger will always be remembered as a loving caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, in-law, uncle, mentor, and friend. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed with the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to North East Educational & Developmental Support Center (NEEDS Center) in Andover or the charity of your choice.