Posted by: Piano World
Trade & Friend Regrets - My Friend, George Cole - 04/17/12 07:31 PM
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.
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.