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Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Obituary: Charles A. Wildrick-Cole, 15, Alfred-Almond student


Charles A. Wildrick-Cole  Beloved Son, Brother, Friend and Shipmate
CUBA - Charles A. Wildrick-Cole, 15, of 6926 Twin Valley Terrace, passed away suddenly Saturday, October 20, 2018, much to the shock of all who knew and loved him. Born on June 30, 2003, in Rochester, he is a son of Jeremy L. and Dawn A. Wildrick-Cole.
Charlie was a sophomore at Alfred-Almond Central School.  He was deeply involved with the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Rochester CA-124 Division where after eighteen months he had already risen to the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer.  He aspired to make the rank of chief before graduation from High School. After High School, his dream was to attend the US Naval Academy and pursue a career in the Navy.
At school, Charlie was a member of the Academic All-Stars team and was a high honor student. He was a member of track team where he enjoyed distance running and weight lifting.  He loved practical jokes and had an infectious personality that drew people to him.  Always thinking of other people first, he will be remembered for how well he supported others.  He was a wonderfully funny, caring, kind and friendly person.
He enjoyed learning the Art of Blacksmithing and working with his coal forge.  He participated in the Alfred Almond Ski Club and enjoyed skiing with his brothers and friends.  He recently discovered his love for SCUBA diving, having completed his initial certification at Cuba Lake in June.  In July he completed his advanced certification through a Sea Cadets Training Course where he spent ten days diving the deep waters of Lake Huron, viewing and studying shipwrecks. He is survived by his parents Jeremy and Dawn Wildrick-Cole of Almond two brothers Sidney L. Wildrick-Cole at home, Samuel H. Wildrick-Cole, at home; his paternal grandparents, Gary and Betsy Harvey of Allegany; his maternal grandparents, Dean and Cheryl Wildrick of Cuba; an Uncle, Dwane Wildrick of Philipsburg, PA; an Aunt, Heather Cogger Puyallup, Washington State; two cousins, Brynn and Lucas Cogger, at home. Other surviving relatives include Nora, Travis and Graham Cole, David & Monica Cole, Jacob Cole, Sara Bunce, Gregory Franklin, Brian Armstrong and numerous other loving extended family members. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather Gary L. Cole in April of 2017 and an Uncle Eric D. Cole in 2001. Family and Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba on Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 7-9 p.m. and on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 2-5 p.m. There will be a remembrance service for family and close friends on Friday October 26 from 5-6 p.m. following the wake. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Jude Chapel, 1154 Lower College Dr., Alfred, New York 14802 at 11a.m. on Saturday October 27, 2018.  The Rev. Sean DiMaria will be the celebrant.  Burial will be private in Cuba Cemetery, Cuba, New York.  A service for the greater Alfred-Almond community is being coordinated by the family and the school to honor Charlie and his life.  This service will be held at the Alfred-Almond School in the near future, date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made in one of the three following ways.  Two Naval charities very close to Charlie’s heart are appropriate, either the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Rochester CA-124 division, which changed his life so much for the better, or the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, which Charlie honored himself during his lifetime by donating his own funds.  Also, memorial donations may be made to the Allegany County Area Foundation, a local charity which provides scholarships for Allegany County Area high school students. 
Charlie’s family is very thankful and appreciative for all the love and support from their friends, family and community in this very difficult time.