Walter Stephen Thunder Cloud' Coles
Walter Stephen Coles "Thunder Cloud" passed away on March 30, 2007 in St. Raphael's Hospital. Born in New Haven, CT. February 23, 1924. Son of the late Edward and Florence Williams Coles. He was predeceased by his wife Jennye /Falls Coles. Resident of West Haven since 1957. Long time member of St. Martin de Porres Church where he served as an usher, voluntary custodian for the church and school, and member of the Holy Name Society. Proud WWII veteran of the United States Navy. Decendent of Montauk, Shinnecock, Tuscarora, and Pequot tribes. He retired as a custodial supervisor for the New Haven Board of Education and Yale University. He is survived by a daughter Debra Winifred Coles of West Haven, CT, two sisters Gretrude Sargent and Harriett Douglass of New Haven, CT. He was predeceased by two brothers Edward Coles and Leonard Coles. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, April 9th, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Martin dePorres Church, New Haven. Viewing at the Church from 10-11 am. Burial in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Arrangements in care of BEECHER & BENNETT-TAYLOR Funeral Home, 410 Campbell Ave., West Haven, CT.
DEAR DEBBIE & FAMILY, MY SINCERE, DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR FATHER’s PASSING. GOD BLESS. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. STAY STRONG! A FRIEND, CHERYL (PINA) FLEMING I just buried my Dad last week (March 28th) after a long illness There’s nothing like a .Good Dad. and you being an only child can understand my feelings. Both of our Dads were: D……..for DEDICATED A……..for ADMIRABLE / AWESOME D……..for DYNAMIC / DEVOTED
Dear Debbie, You have my deepest sympathy during this very difficult time.May peace be with you and your family.
Deb we were so sorry to hear of your loss. Uncle Walter was always the same the few times I saw him. I know he is in a much better place and may you always have peace. Selma and the girls
Deb, I am sorry for your loss. I pray for the peace that only God can give during your time of sorrow.
DEb, So sorry to hear about Walter.My heart goes out to you an your family during this difficult time.With my deepest sympathy. Love Harriett
Debra, I am very sorry to hear of the lost of your father. I know he lived a full, spirit filled life. I also know that he loved his .little girl. Who has grown into a beautiful,loving woman. He raised you for this moment in time. Now you enter into another phase of your life. Live it as best you can ! We love you, Jimmy & Family
Hi Debbie, I’m so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to your family.
I knew Mr. Coles from Hillhouse when my dad, Dick Lee, was Mayor. Mr. Coles was one of the kindest, most peaceful and gentle human beings I have ever been honored to know. My saddness is with you but I know he is in a place filled with love, light and happiness. I will pray for him. Sally Lee
I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to the Coles family at this time.
Michell: sorry for the loss of your loved one. May you find peace in knowing that the Lord will comfort you in your time of need. Prayerfully Yours Dorothy Jackson
To the family,his daughter especially, Walter was a good long time friend from our work at Yale and New Haven Bd. of Ed. I will sorely miss him. It is with great regret that I could not attend his funeral. I wish our health had not kept us apart in recent years. He was one of those rare good men that you get to know in life.
Uncle Walter will truly be missed by all of us. He was my Godfather and Uncle via Marriage to his Nephew Francis E. Douglass Jr. aka Junny. I remember seeing Walter in the halls of Hillhouse Highschool (1967-1971) and always wondered just what is it that he does. One day I was invited to his home in West Haven by my then boyfriend for a family cookout. I almost fainted when I saw him sitting in the Living room and he said, quote .there’s that Bad kid that was always skipping class and in the hallway.. Like they say it is a small world. I will never forget him. Love you Forever. Your Niece Roz Douglass now residing in the Atlanta Are.
Uncle Walter, I remember being little and you would send me all those things from YALE! You loved that school and focused on education. You always wanted the best for me. You showed me from a little girl that you EXPECTED more and I have NEVER forgotten. You will truely be missed. P.S. Maybe I will hear you beat your drum as the thunder roars! Love, Kisha, Kiran , and Daleeia
With sincere sorrow I am grieving the loss of your precious and dear father . My prayers are with you . love Diana Ward Patterson