PDA is saddened to announce that former PDA President Jack Cole passed away March 16. He served as PDA President from 1979-1981 and was a long-time volunteer during a period of expansion for the Association. For many years after serving in his leadership role, Jack remained a passionate cheerleader for PDA, even recruiting his son to help design the Association’s logo that remains in use today.
Jack was instrumental, along with other PDA leaders, in establishing the PDA Foundation for Pharmaceutical Sciences to advance education programs in parenteral sciences. In addition, he sought to expand PDA’s course offerings overseas by chairing an ad hoc committee tasked with developing a cooperative technical exchange program. Jack was particularly interested it bringing PDA services to Latin American, and he conducted a series of lectures at the pharmacy schools of the Universities of Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo.
In 1996, PDA awarded him Honorary Membership in recognition of his extensive work for PDA.
Jack became an active member and volunteer with PDA in the late 1960s while working for Millipore. He then spent the rest of his career with Pall Corporation while continuing to volunteer for PDA.
He is survived by his wife Vered, and sons Keren and Elan.
Jack’s commitment to PDA can be reflected in the drawer of valuables that included all of his ten-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 35- and 40-year PDA lapel pins and tie clips. He always kept the PDA family close in heart and mind.
A memorial service was held at Gutterman’s in Woodbury, N.Y., on March 18. Donations in his name can be made to the Visiting NurseService of Suffolk County New York (505 Main Street, Northport, NY 11768) and Memorial Sloan Kettering New York.