William T. Cole, Viet vet, postal worker

WILLIAM T. COLE carried enemy shrapnel in his body from the Vietnam War, where he served two tours as a dedicated Marine.

He enlisted in the Marines in 1965, and was sent to Vietnam as a mortar man. After four years, he was honorably discharged, and went right back in for two more years in Vietnam.

It was during his second tour that he was wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

William Cole, who joined the Postal Service after his second discharge and served 31 years, died Aug. 13 of cancer. He was 62 and lived in West Philadelphia.

Like many veterans who saw a lot of combat, William talked little about Vietnam. He came home and concentrated on providing a home and caring for his family.

He began his work with the Postal Service at the Bulk Mail Center. He then worked out of the Hunting Park, Nicetown and Torresdale offices, serving many neighborhoods in North and Northeast Philadelphia.

When his health began to fail, he was sent to the main post office at 30th and Market streets, where he was given light duty. He retired in 2006.

William was born in Reading, the youngest of the 12 children of Alexander Cole and Clara Sadler Cole. The family moved to Philadelphia when he was a child and he grew up on Orkney Street, in North Philadelphia.

"It was a tight-knit neighborhood where he formed friendships that lasted over 50 years," his family said.

He graduated from Edison High School. He married the former Yvonne Harper in 1970.

Known as "Rocky" to family and friends, William was a handyman who enjoyed fixing things around his house. He also grew fruits and vegetables in his garden.

He was a one-time member of the former Baptist Church of Christ, at 63rd and Vine streets, where he was baptized by the Rev. Willie L. Rupert.

"He was a great and generous husband, father and grandfather," his family said. "He always had a smile on his face and there was nothing he wouldn't do for you.

"In addition to raising his own children, he welcomed his nieces and nephews into his heart and home every summer for years. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him."

William liked to watch classic movies on TV and TV crime shows that emphasized forensic investigations.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Tanya and Chrystal Cole, and Bianca Woodward; a son, William Cole Jr.; two sisters, Josephine Rahming and Marquitte Sweet; two brothers, Carl and Melvin Cole; and five grandchildren.

Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Calvary Baptist Church, 6122 Haverford Ave. Friends may call at 9 a.m.