Cole Muffler Founder Don Cole Dies

Don Cole, the man who founded Cole Muffler has passed away.

Donald Cole, Sr., died Friday, June 16 surrounded by his family, according to his obituary.

Don is the man behind Cole Muffler that began in the mid-60s. The shop started in the back of the Fulton Spring Service and grew to over 50 shops in Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Before Cole Muffler, Don did a variety of things from selling cars, swimming pools, and power tools to owning laundromats and apartments.

The love Don had for Alexandria Bay led him to buying Bonnie Castle Yacht Basin.

Early in life Don fought in the Korean Conflict. He often told stories of the celebrities he flew to entertain the troops.

Services will be 11:30 am Tuesday, June 20 at Falardeau Funeral Hom in Baldwinsville, followed by a 12:00 pm Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Church. Calling hours are 3-7 pm, Monday, June 19, at Falardeau Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Baldwinsville Ambulance Corps or to the Baldwinsville Fire Department.

Read Don Cole's full obituary.

BONUS VIDEO