I never like making these posts.

Even more so when the person was not only a respected businessman in the music industry, but also a close personal friend. Someone I considered like a father.

It is with a heavy heart that I post the passing of
George Cole, formerly of Curtis Music Stores, and later a representative for various piano companies, including Kimball. He passed on Sunday, April 15th, 2012.

I've known George since the 1960's when I used to hang out after school at his store on Andrew Street in Lynn, MA.
He hired me to help deliver pianos and organs after school, later hiring me as a sales person, teaching me not only about the piano/music business, but also about life.

When he hired me I was living in an empty apartment house in a seedy section of the city. He said I needed to report to work in dress pants, shirt, tie, and a sport jacket. I had none of these, and no money. I think he sensed this because he asked if I had the clothes he'd listed.

When I said I didn't, he said "come with me". We walked down the street to a plaza with a Gentlemen's warehouse. George helped me pick out all the clothes I would need.
He paid for everything, handed me the bags and said "I'll see you in the morning". I knew right then we'd be friends for life, and we were.


He taught me the importance of telling the truth, of working hard, and setting goals.
And he taught me the true meaning of being a friend, as he was always there for me.

You will be missed George.

Goodbye my friend.


The funeral is Friday 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 8831 West Bradshaw Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448
(I will be there).

George's obituary is here


George and his beautiful daughter Lesley.

Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, Frank. As you might recall, I had been in Curtis many a time. Often wondered if I had met you back then.

A nice tribute to Mr. Cole with such an example he left. You learned your lessons well.

LL

I am sorry for your loss.

Sorry for your loss Frank. I'm sure your living your life with the same values and dignity.

Very sorry, Frank. People like that live on, though, in the example they set and the lessons they taught.

Sincere condolences. Very sorry to hear that and very glad that you had such a person in your life, as I'm sure you are also.

Sorry for your loss Frank. Your words brought tears to my eyes. Take care of yourself in your time of grief.

I did know George from the Curtis Music Stores. Although I did not know him well, I had tremendous regard and respect for him.

My best to the Cole Family.

A very nice tribute, Frank. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. But good friends never really leave.

Everybody should have a friend just like the one you just described, Frank.
My sincere condolences for you and the Cole family.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Frank. Sounds like a really good guy.

Frank it's hard find the words to write when you've lost someone who was more than a friend to you..remember the good times you've shared.

We'll keep you and your friend in our prayers. We are here for you.

Your tribute is very touching. My condolences to you and the Cole family. I did not know George Cole but his family, friends, business associates and customers did get to enjoy his honesty, hard work, business ethics and friendship during his lifetime and can fondly recall happy memories and lesson learned from his life experiences. From your description, it sounds like his was a life well-lived.

Frank,

I did not know Mr. Cole, but based on your experiences, I wish I did. I hope that someday in the very distant future someone is able to write something like that about me.

Cheers!

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

It was hard saying goodbye to my friend, but I was glad I had
the opportunity to be there, and to pay tribute to a very special man.