Stephen C. Cole

Stephen Cole passed to be with the Lord at Yale New Haven Hospital on October 27, 2024, with his wife Catherine Cole by his side. He was born in Waterbury on January 10, 1937. Steve is survived by his wife, Catherine Cole, step-son Gregory Golembowski; grandchildren, Izzabella, Lily and Luke; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Toni, Nancy Cunningham, and Elisabeth (Bruce) Granoff. Stephen was predeceased by his daughter, Lisa and his step-son Bryan Golembowski.

Steve served in the military from 1956 to 1958 and was a Private in the U.S. Army. Steve then studied at University of Connecticut and graduated from the University of Hartford with B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he worked as a trouble shooter for General Electric and traveled extensively for the company until he was needed at home to be a caregiver. He also had a career as a Fuller Brush Salesman providing cleaning supplies, mop’s, brooms, etc. There, he was a top salesman, supervisor, and trained other salesman for 45 years. Aside from that, he took on several small maintenance jobs in CT.  In his early 50’s he assumed a new vocation and enjoyed the challenge of becoming a City of New Haven Bridgetender working primarily on the historic Grand Ave. Bridge until his retirement. 

Steve was happiest spending time with family, friends, and nature. He loved watching and listening to the birds and exploring the woods in Bethany where he lived most of his adult life. He would run the trails around his home always bringing his beloved dogs with him. Steve was a compassionate man, who loved to sing and serenade all who would listen. Steve had a very wry sense of humor which brought him much joy as he laughed as hard as his audience!

Steve’s desire to be a servant for Jesus included working with local ministries, Operation Save America, Christian Drama and a large Singing Ministry. For many years he was a knowledgeable Bible Teacher for young men and several home Christian Care Groups for local churches. Steve was a strong believer and servant of the Lord. Wherever he was needed he was always willing to help others, including ushering at churches. Steve especially loved his time with his Calvary Life family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Life Family Worship Center, P.O. Box 1216, 174 East Johnson Ave., Cheshire, CT 06410, or to the Bethany Volunteer Fire Dept., Ambulance Corps, 765 Amity Road, Bethany, CT, 06524, in Steve’s honor.

Family and friends are invited to gather November 16, 2024 from 10-11am at Calvary Life Family Worship Center, 174 East Johnson Avenue, Cheshire, CT, 06410. A service for Stephen Cole and Bryan Golembowski will immediately follow along with military honors for Steve. Reception to follow in the Church Hall for Bryan Golembowski and Steven, together. Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to assist Stephen's family and invites you to share your condolences for his family on his tribute wall.

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