Horace S. Cole

Horace S. Cole, 80, of East Stroudsburg, passed gently into God’s hands on Wednesday June 16, 2021 at St Luke’s Hospital, Monroe Campus. He was the loving husband of Sonya (Kressler) Cole, they were married 46 years. Born October 9, 1940 in East Stroudsburg, he was the son of the late Lester and Edna Mills Cole. Horace graduated from East Stroudsburg High School in 1958. He was co-captain of his football team and sang with the chorus and Choraliers. His musical talents were rewarded by summer scholarships to the Young Pennsylvanians. He always enjoyed his class reunions where he relived the delights of his school days. He and Tom Long and Don Miller had some wicked laughs with the tales they shared. His yearbook states his future ambition was to own a business of his own. He reached his goal with success and compassion. Horace began working at Jack’s Market when he was 8 years old bagging potatoes and packing eggs. He was a long-time paperboy for the Pocono Record and knew everyone on his long routes. Later, he worked for Ehrlich’s Market earning his way through East Stroudsburg State College (ESU). Jack and Myron were huge influences in Horace’s life. He dearly loved them both. He played football in college, being among the last players to play offense and defense. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 1963, and his Master’s Degree in 1965. Horace’s administrative certificates were from Lehigh University. Working as a Health and Physical Education teacher in East Stroudsburg was Horace’s goal. He began teaching in all four elementary schools, later just working at J.S. Bunnell, J.M. Hill and the ESHS. He wrote the first state curriculum for Adapted Physical Education. During his tenure at East Stroudsburg schools he was a teacher, coach, department head, administrator and President and member of the school board. He was head track and field coach winning the CIAA championship in 1980. He served as Chief Negotiator and President of the ES Education Association for many years. He also bargained for other school groups in PA. Horace served his community in many ways. Summers, during his teaching years, were centered around YMCA Day Camp. Situated at Hidden Lake, he needed to get the kids there so he got his school bus driver’s license and transported campers to camp. (He later used this skill to transport sixth graders to the pool for swimming.) Camp was well organized and lots of fun. It ran for 8 weeks but many parents wanted more so he ran an extra, special camp for a week of canoeing and camping on the Delaware. Little League was a big part of Horace’s life. He volunteered for over 30 years serving as Player Agent two years and then President. When he retired from school this was his summer life. He stocked the stand, cleaned the bathrooms, announced the games, helped schedule the games, ran try-outs, gave out uniforms and did anything else that needed to be done. He was instrumental in naming the field after his friend and co-volunteer, John Konawalik. It thrilled him when a group of guys decided to update the field to make it a small Yankee Stadium. They then honored him by naming the Press Box in his name. They were forever held in his high esteem. He helped the Elks in many ways but his favorite was ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. He also enjoyed serving the monthly, Fathers’ Day and Mothers’ Day Breakfasts. A longtime member of the East Stroudsburg Presbyterian Church, he served as Trustee and Treasurer. Currently, he was on the Session. Horace was a member of many organizations and boards in the past some of which were: YMCA Board and President, Pocono Hospital Ambassador and Family Care Center Boards, Exchange Club of the Poconos, Board and President, East Stroudsburg Elks Lodge #319, member and Trustee, ES Recreation Board, Monroe County Retired Employees Association, member and President, and ES Little League, Player Agent, President. Among the honors and awards he received were: PA State Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation Professional Honor award for Meritorious and Unselfish Service to the Profession, National Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds, ES Little League Golden Service Award, Pocono Family YMCA Service Award and Outstanding Dedication to the YMCA Day Camp and Youth of the Community Award, ES School District Meritorious Hall and Wall of Fame and Certificate of Service for outstanding service and contributions to the students of the school district 1963-1988, ES Elks Lodge #319 Trustee Emeritus, American Legion Distinguished Achievement Award, (8th Grade), In addition to Sonya, Horace is survived by his children Adam Cole (Susan), Denise Rogers (Spencer), step-sons Kevin, Kelly, Chris (Kelly), and Brandon (Erin) Lewis. He also leaves grandchildren, Zach and Lexi Cole, Kenley and Jenna Rogers, Nash and McKenna Lewis, Kate Lewis, Ben, Annie, and Sam Lewis and Ryder, Griffin, and Grayson Lewis as well as his beloved and devoted sister, Betty Roth (Richard). In addition to all of his contributions to the community Horace was the model father to his children and step-sons. He sacrificed and provided for them at every stage of their lives. He was amazingly organized, disciplined, mentally tough, unselfish, resilient, kind, resolute and loving. He was always there to help or guide yet wise enough to know when it was time for them to do it themselves. His love for his children spread to his grandchildren. He was their beloved Poppy and with them his gentle kindness blossomed. Memorial donations may be made to The NEPA FCU Scholarship Fund, 337 Clay Ave., Stroudsburg, PA 18360 for a Scholarship in Memory of Horace Cole or to the Rental Assistance Program at the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army, in memory of Horace Cole, 226 Washington St. East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, Attn. Rose London. The family would like to give special thanks and deep appreciation to all of the ICU and second floor staff at St. Luke’s Hospital-Monroe. The care and compassion they showed Horace and the family was beyond belief. Visitation will be at the East Stroudsburg Presbyterian Church 55 Smith Street 11AM to 1 PM followed by a service at 1:30 PM on Saturday, July 3rd. Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.