Laurence F. “Larry” Coles, 78, of Milton and Alton Bay, N.H., died March 31 after a battle with cancer.
A lifelong resident of Milton, he graduated from Milton High School in 1948.
Mr. Coles was a 38-year member of the Milton Fire Department, where he worked 35 years at the Atherton Street fire station.
He was a member of the Milton Fire Department Local 1116, the Milton Fire Relief Association and the Fire Department’s Gilbert Fund. He also served as a State Guard member in 1947.
He continued his education at Mass Bay and Massasoit College in fire science.
Mr. Coles spent a great deal of time at his second home in Alton Bay. He spent many days on his boat in Lake Winnipesaukee. His family was most important to him.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Thelma E. (Stewart) Coles; his children, Nancy C. Lally and her husband, Gerry, of South Weymouth, and Shawn S. Coles and his wife, JoAnn, of East Bridgewater; his grandchildren, Megan E. Lally, Kara E. Lally, Bryan P. Lally, Sean L. Lally, Army Pvt. James L. Adams, Jacob R. Adams, Katelyn H. Coles and Mackenzie L. Coles; and his siblings, Herbert B. Coles and Jean M. Denstad, both of New Hampshire.
He was the father of the late Mark L. Coles and son of the late Grace M. (Bryan) Coles and Herbert Coles.
A funeral service was held at First Baptist Church of Wollaston on April 6.
Donations may be made to the Milton Firefighters Relief Assn., 515 Canton Ave., Milton, MA 02186.
Arrangements were by the Dolan Funeral Home.