William A. Cole
Founder of Yankee Custom
TEWKSBURY: William A. “Bill” Cole, age 72, a lifelong Tewksbury resident, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, December 30, 2018.
He was the beloved husband of Judith E. (Ford) Cole, with whom he celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on April 19, 2018.
Born in Lowell on May 14, 1946, he was the son of the late Kenneth R. Cole and the late Mildred (Ricker) Cole.
Bill was raised in Tewksbury and graduated from Tewksbury High School. Following graduation, he attended Lowell Tech, where he received his degree in Business Management.
In 1970, Bill founded and operated Yankee Custom, a full line truck, van and SUV accessory-supply company with locations in Tewksbury, Saugus, Brockton, Nashua, NH, and Portland, ME. Bill started the company in his garage, where he specialized in the fabrication and installation of wood framed aluminum truck bed caps and enclosures. From those humble beginnings, Bill expanded the business and its offerings to what is now considered New England’s largest retail distributor of truck, van and SUV accessories.
During his spare time, he enjoyed restoring his antique 1946 Mack EH, watching John Wayne movies, listening to the music of Frank Sinatra, hosting the annual Cole family pig roast, and doting on his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Scott W. Cole of Manchester, NH, Kathryn M. Alonis and her husband Kevin of Merrimack, NH, ,and Jeffrey A. Cole and his wife Allison of Tewksbury; his grandchildren, Katherine, Olivia, Caitlin, and Prayla Cole, and Alexander Alonis; three sisters, Dr. Elizabeth Proper of Hatfield, Carolyn Maggard of Williston, FL and Patricia Allen and her husband Charles of Casco, ME; also many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Calling hours are Friday, Jan. 4, from 3-8 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 72 E Concord St., Boston, MA 02118.