Cole Vickary, founder of American Standard Manufacturing, passed away on March 2, 2026, at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, New York. He was 79. Cole had been battling LBD (Lewy body dementia) before his passing. American Standard Manufacturing announced his passing and expressed heartfelt sadness at the loss of its founder.
Cole was born Dec. 19, 1946, in Amsterdam, New York, and was a 1964 graduate of Canajoharie High School and attended Monmouth College. As the founder and original owner/operator of American Standard Manufacturing, Cole has supported the propane industry for over 35 years, and his company was and is a key supplier that helped launch the cylinder exchange business. He initially started American Standard Manufacturing in Cobleskill, New York, and eventually moved to its current location in Central Bridge, New York.
His granddaughter shared a statement further expressing his contributions to the propane industry: “Cole Vickary is known for his innovation and revolutionary ideas centered around the propane cylinder exchange industry. The idea of propane cylinder exchange came to light on a Sunday afternoon around a BBQ grill when Cole ran out of propane. The fill station was closed and the BBQ was over. Cole began promoting the concept of cylinder exchange as the manager of Hartford Manufacturing (Cobleskill, New York). He then founded American Standard MFG. … His innovative design of the ‘Little Giant’ was a back-saving device for inverting tanks and evacuating gas — a necessary evil of the industry. He was a participant in the start-up of New York Propane Gas Association’s Cylinder Exchange Council. Cole’s high standards and pursuits of excellence will continue to hold influence on the propane industry for years to come.”
Cole is survived by his wife, Connie Vickary, his two children, Regina Haig and Dominic Vickary, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Regina and Dominic continue to operate American Standard Manufacturing today.
In his obituary, Cole is described as “an entrepreneur and inventor, focused on creating a legacy for his family. … He found daily joys in working with his hands and spending time with his family, boating or playing golf. As a man of many talents, he excelled in blacksmithing, woodworking, engineering, photography and giving advice when asked.”
Sentiments on Cole Vickary From Former & Current Employees
"They say a true mentor is a 'guiding light,' and for me, that has always been Cole Vickary, who also happens to be my father-in-law. I’ll never forget when I started at American Standard 33 years ago. I was a 19-year-old kid who was just out of high school and unemployed, Cole was not going to have his daughter dating a slug, so he sent me to Albany to pick up a piece of steel, and as they say, the rest is history. It was in that moment I realized mentorship wasn’t just about advice — it was about showing up. Thank you for your patience, your wisdom and for being the compass that guided me through my most uncertain times. I am a better person because I knew and loved you. I will forever carry on your legacy through my dedication to American Standard and you as my guiding light.
—Aaron Haig
“When I first joined American Standard MFG, I was looking for a job. Unknowingly I stepped into a career, mentored by Cole Vickary, who was an incredible business leader and role model. He trusted me with responsibilities that built my confidence and gave me opportunity to learn and grow. On one occasion, I was working on a MIG welding machine, and Cole said ‘Rob, if you can’t fix it and forget how it goes back together, there is always someone out there that can fix it and put it back together. So, tear into it and learn how it works.’ I did exactly that. Fixed it! Twenty-eight years into my career, and I am still following that motto; I reflect on that moment often. That encouragement forged itself within me and because of it, I continue to test and broaden my capabilities every time there is a project to tackle. Thankfully, he took a chance on a young graduate and persuaded my confidence to be successful. I witnessed how much importance Cole gave to his family, his love for them — undeniable. I am grateful to have had the privilege to witness his passion and success in transforming his vision into legacy. Over the years, he graced us with encouragement, wisdom and guidance, creating a community we are all proud to be a part of. We will honor his memory by continuing to uphold his legacy.”
— Rob Crewell
“I was a bookkeeper for Cole Vickary at American Standard MFG for 24 years. They were some of the best years of my working career. Cole was an awesome boss, and he made me feel like part of the family, not just an employee. He did a lot for his employees year-round. He was an extraordinary boss, and he took care of all his employees. He will be greatly missed.”
— Sharon Miller
“I started my journey with Coleman Vickary at the inception of American Standard MFG. He fostered a family-oriented environment, which allowed me the flexibility I needed while raising my young children. At the same time, he took me under his wing, teaching me the ins and outs of managing and running a business. When I felt the urge to pursue a career change, both he and Connie supported and encouraged me to follow my path. We remained close friends and kept in touch until the end. Coleman was an extraordinary entrepreneur, and I gained so much insight from him throughout our time together.”
— Ethel Weimer
