Jack M. Cola

Jack M. Cola, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Hospice of Marion County in Ocala. He was born October 16th, 1930, in Queens, New York, to Frank, Sr. and Katherine Cola. He is predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Laura Ann Cola, and four of their children; Jack Michael Cola, Jr., Salvatore John Cola, Arthur Edward Cola, and Pamela Ann Watson.

Jack is survived by three children, Steven William Cola, Diane (Thomas) Roberts, and Lori (Daniel) Stanfill, his sister Katie Catapano, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews, all of whom brought him great joy.

Jack spent his childhood in New York. He entered the US Army in 1948 and was Honorably discharged as a Korean War Veteran. He was stationed in Hawaii and then Alaska during the war, working as a communications specialist. Jack and Laura met and married when they were in their 20’s and eventually moved to Florida. Jack started his career building homes in the DeLand area and then decided to be his own boss as a truck driver, eventually owning several trucks.

Jack was a devout Catholic, who lived his life selflessly caring for his wife and seven children and praying the rosary daily in his later years. He was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church before moving to Ft. McCoy, FL. All his children attended St. Peter’s Catholic School. Jack loved boating, camping, old cars, riding his motorcycle (with Mom on the back) and always enjoyed a fun get-together with family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life. The visitation will be held on Friday, April 11th, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., at Lankford Funeral Home in DeLand; funeral services will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Saturday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at DeLand Memorial Gardens.