John Royal Cole

Dryden – John Royal Cole, a lifelong resident of Dryden, New York passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, following a period of declining health.

Mr. Cole was born on July 3, 1946 to Marion F. and Eva M. (Fitts) Cole. Mr. Cole attended Dryden Schools and worked for many years for the Town of Dryden Highway Department. Following his retirement from the Town of Dryden, John drove truck for RMS Gravel seasonally. Throughout the years, Mr. Cole worked for various farmers in the Dryden area. Over the years, John was known to raise livestock of his own as a hobby farmer on the Cole family homestead. Mr. Cole enjoyed country music.

Mr. Cole was the youngest of seven children. He is survived by five of his six siblings, Helen Coffin of North Carolina, Nancy Couch (Edward) of Freeville, New York, Mary Jane Robinson (Robert) of North Carolina, Donald Cole (Chris) of Cortland County and Patricia French (Edward) of Westport, New York. Mr. Cole is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews. Mr. Cole was predeceased by his parents Marion and Eva and his sister Phyllis and her husband Harold Reese. John was well known at the Coffee Club at the Dryden McDonalds.

Graveside services and burial will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the Willow Glen Cemetery next to his parents.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in John’s name to the charity of one’s choice.