Gail R. Cole
Gail R. Cole of Bradenton Beach, formerly of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died Nov. 2.
He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Christine and Roland Cole.
In 1949, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 1st Ranger Infantry Company-Airborne in the Korean War.
He married his sweetheart, Freda Stump, in 1953, and they were married 67 years.
Mr. Cole owned and operated an aluminum foundry, Cole Precision Castings, in Fort Wayne from 1965 to 1977. In 1978, Gail, Freda, and son Ralph moved to Bradenton Beach.
Mr. Cole was elected mayor of Bradenton Beach in 1999 and served to 2001.
Mr. Cole is survived by his children, Marcy and husband Larry Miller, Debbie and husband Ed Morken, Libby and husband Tom Taylor, Gail R. II “Coley” and wife Jackie, and Ralph, a city commissioner in Bradenton Beach, and wife Beth; 14 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Scott ‘Scratch’ Hirsch
Scott “Scratch” Hirsch, 63, of Winter Haven, formerly of Bradenton, died Nov. 4.
He died following a courageous battle with colon cancer.
He spent his final years in Winter Haven, but spent many years working for Wildwood Springs in Bradenton. He graduated from Lakeland High School in 1979 and treasured time spent in the band and the enduring friendships he made.
He was a dedicated member of the Anna Maria Island Privateers, named “Scratch” by his sponsor. His passion for cars, music, vinyl records and pirating with the Privateers will forever be remembered with fondness and joy.
He was a simple man with a kind and generous spirit. His leaves a void in the hearts of those to whom he was a pillar of strength and beacon of love.
Mr. Hirsch is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughters Jennifer, Mary, and Lauren; siblings, Carla, Lisa, and Cliff; beloved niece, nephews, cousins and granddaughter.