Donald David Cole, 90, of Pembroke passed away while surrounded by family on July 22, 2024. Born January 17, 1934 in Brockton to Cora M. and Walter J. Cole. Don was a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, living in several towns along the South Shore.

Don was known for his quick wit and sense of humor, as well as his hard work ethic and dedication to family. A baseball player and sports enthusiast, Don enjoyed the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins. His other interests included listening to classic country music, going for rides with Woody or Little Girl, and judging restaurants by how they cook their vegetables.

Throughout his life, Don enjoyed going camping, raising animals, and tending to his garden, which produced enough food to feed his family. A social butterfly, Don was always on the move, whether going out to breakfast with friends, lending a hand to someone in need, or stopping by just to say hello.

He brought new meaning to the phrase "whistle while you work," believing that it was an indication that someone loved their job. A highly skilled mechanic, he worked at several automotive garages and dedicated many years to New England Telephone. After retirement Don spent much of his time with his granddaughter, Sara, mowing lawns, fishing, and attending the car races in Seekonk.

Known as "Bant" to close family and friends, Don first received the nickname of "Banta" when Sara mispronounced "Grampa" at a young age. "Banta" stuck for many years before morphing into the permanent title of "Bant." Bant was known for expecting everyone to try, knowing that no one is perfect. Excuses were not in Bant's vocabulary.

One of Don's most proud accomplishments was being a member of the United States Marine Corps, for which he served in the Korean War, with distinction. One of our most fond memories is listening to his stories of traveling the world, him narrowly escaping being thrown overboard, and about his time in Japan where he was almost accidentally left behind.

Don is survived by daughter, Diane Ostrander and husband Daryl of Halifax, granddaughter Sara Ostrander and partner Kurtis Murray of Halifax, daughter Donna Tone-Pah-Hote, granddaughter Donann Tone-Pah-Hote and great-granddaughters Ava and Bianca Saia of Dighton, Massachusetts. He is predeceased by daughter, Doreen Cole, wives Nancy Torrey and Marjorie Huff, as well as eleven siblings. Don is also survived by close friend Ellen Galo and faithful companion Little Girl. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to join us in celebrating Don's life at the Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home, 4 West Washington Street Hanson, Sunday August 4th from 1pm-4pm. Burial services begin at Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home Monday August 5th at 10am, proceeding to Fern Hill cemetery in Hanson, followed by casual coffee and light fare at the Pembroke Housing Community Room, 6 Kilcommons Drive, Pembroke.