Frederick Arlington Cole, Sr died this week at age 70. He died of lung cancer because dad was a smoker. Mom was a smoker too, but she died of lung cancer at 62.

We will tell you about dads decades in the Capital District NY business community and his other decades of work with civic organizations, but we, his children would first like to use this space to say something more important:

Stop smoking.

Right now.

Not tomorrow. Not next week. Now. Think of what you're doing to your children. Please, please stop.

If youve read this far and youre still reading, please re-read the first part again before you read the more traditional obituary that follows.

Born in Hoosick Falls, NY, Fred spent his childhood in Potsdam, Cherry Valley, and Schenectady, NY before venturing off to Grahm Junior College in Boston, MA to study Communications.

Fred married his wife, Susan, in 1977, and together they raised their three children in Schenectady, NY before moving to Charlotte, NC in 2013.

Freds career accomplishments include starting his own courier company, L.E.D.F.O.O.T. Express, delivering live traffic reports for many years on radio and television, managing businesses in several different industries, and serving on the boards of several civic and business organizations, including Transims FCU, the Albany Executives Association, and the National Association of Produce Market Managers. He retired in 2014 after having managed farmers' markets in both Menands, NY, and Charlotte, NC.

Fred was incredibly committed to the betterment of his community and the world around him. He was a longtime volunteer with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks and President of the Hudson Shores Rotary Club for many years. He was made a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International in 2012, an honor that was bestowed upon him with the support of funds raised by friends and family as a 60th birthday present. He joined the Mt. Holly Rotary Club when he moved to North Carolina. He was also a member of the Dade City Rotary Club.

After the passing of his wife in 2016, Fred became a snowbird, spending winters among dear friends in Zephyrhills and summers visiting family and friends in New York and New England.

Fred was an incredibly talented photographer, a model railroad enthusiast, a thoughtful writer, an eager and curious traveler, an avid camper, and an entertaining raconteur. He lived an adventurous and full life. He loved his family proudly and unconditionally and was a fiercely loyal and generous friend.

He is predeceased by his eldest brother Bud and his loving wife Susan, and he is survived by his brothers, Starr and Bob (Rhonda); his sisters, Ginny (Wayne), Karen, and Donna; his three children, Fred, Jr. (Johanna), Jennifer (Corey), and Matthew; his grandson, Elliott; and his many beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

Freds children wish to acknowledge the tender care and friendship that his community at Country Oaks RV Park in Zephyrhills, FL showed him during his time there. They also extend their heartfelt gratitude to several individuals who served as caregivers to Fred during difficult times: his son, Fred Jr., his sister, Karen; his cousin, Bob; and his dear friends, Tom and Patti.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that contributions be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or Rotary International.

Fred and Susan both lost their lives relatively young to lung cancer after decades of smoking. His children and their families truly implore you to stop smoking.

At his request, Freds children will be planning a memorial picnic in the summer to celebrate a life well lived.

Arrangements are under the care of Hodges Family Funeral Home 301 Chapel Dade City, Fl.