John A. "J.C." Cole, 82, of New Bedford died Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.  He was the husband of the late Nancy L. (Brown) Cole.

Born in Bronx, New York, the son of the late John and Lois (Nelson) Cole, he had lived in New Bedford for many years where he became an integral part of the community.

J.C. was a graduate of HBCU Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. It was here that he furthered his ranked success in track and field that began as a high school student in New York, specifically in the hurdle and long jumping events.  During these college years at Morgan University, he was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement and became a proud, well regarded, and lifetime fraternity brother of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

After college, J.C. continued his commitment to others through his time serving as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later as a reservist. He then established a respected career as a telephone engineer with New England Telephone company until retirement.

He was a member of the Union Lodge #4, F. & A.M.

His great kindness, wisdom, and witty sense of humor will be sorely missed by family and friends alike. J.C. will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Tanya, and his two grandchildren, Evan and Grace, as well as several cousins and many friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 12-3 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, with military honors at 12 Noon and a Masonic service to be held at 2:30 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.