ROCKLAND — Lawrence "Larry" Cole, 81, passed away quietly at his home in Rockland during the early morning hours of Dec. 2, 2015. Larry was born in East Machias on Aug. 5, 1934, to Carroll Lewis Cole and Julia Elvora Elsmore Cole.

Larry attended Rockland Schools and for 20 years he ran Coles Market – a fixture in the South End of Rockland. After leaving that business he embarked on a 10-year career with William Atwood Lobster Co. in Spruce Head, where he retired from in 1996.

Larry was an outdoorsman, and he loved sharing his knowledge. He was a Boy Scout leader in his younger days and imparted much knowledge to his Scouts. He believed in service to the community, and was a volunteer firefighter for the Rockland Fire Department.

Larry enjoyed all types of hunting and fishing. He especially liked hunting in Burketville. He was never happier than when running his beagle hounds through the woods. He also loved his Labrador retrievers, Duke and Duke.

Larry was a 25-year member and past master of the Rockland Masonic Lodge.

Larry married Ann Blood and together they raised two children, Victor and Marie.

Larry is survived by his children, Victor Cole and his wife, Patricia, of Tenants Harbor, and Mrs. Marie Elaine Whitney and her husband, Scott, of Florida. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Micki,Stephen, Holly and Jackie; and eight great-grandchildren, Zachary, Makian, Ruby, Ayden, Ethan, Dillon, Makiah and Amani. Larry grew up in a family of 11 children, and is also survived by his sister, Ella Michaud; and his brother, Millard Cole.

A private family gathering will be held.

Hall's of Thomaston has care of the arrangements.