Jacob A Holle Funeral Home

S.A. – Liberians across the United States are mourning the sudden passing of one of their most illustrious leaders, Mr. Leslie Norman Abayomi Cole, Sr.He was the founding Chairman of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA). He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving wife, Sheila, and family on September 15, 2017.Cole ascended to the helm of ULAA leadership in 1976 after defeating Charles McArthur Taylor whom he subsequently appointed as his Director of Public Affairs.He was head of legendary team of founding leaders of the Union including the late Jangaba A. Johnson (AKA Tangaba Jangaba) Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu, Charles McArthur Taylor, Blamo Nelson, and Jackie Goodridge. Other founding leaders include Edward Deshield, William Kollie, Ken Nuebel Acolatse, and Gearge Dunye.Cole was instrumental in laying the foundation of ULAA as President, and later as Chairman of the Board.Leslie's homegoing celebration is as follows:Viewing from 6:00PM to 9:00PM on Friday, September 29, 2017 at The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, 2122 Millburn Avenue, Maplewood, NJFuneral Service at 9:30AM on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at The Prospect Presbyterian Church, 646 Prospect St., Maplewood, NJ  07040He was also a founding member of the Liberian Community Associations of New York & New Jersey, and the Liberian Community Association of North Jersey (LCANJ).He remained tenaciously engaged in the affairs of ULAA and championed various Liberian causes for over 40 years spanning his entire life in the Diaspora. He was highly regarded by his peers and served as a mentor to nearly all of his successors.Former ULAA President Al Gbi Toe, referred to him as “a giant among leaders who cannot be replaced”.In a solemn tribute to his predecessor, former ULAA President Siayonkron Nyanseor noted “He maintained his independence. He was not one to compromise his belief for the sake of friendship”.Beyond the Liberian community, Leslie Norman Cole, Sr. wa... (Front Page Africa)