Richard Malcolm Cole

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Hester Cole. Richard is survived by Sally Roland Gilbert, her two children, Ginny Gilbert Mumfrey (Matthew) and Michael Glen Gilbert (Paulina), four grandchildren, Michael James and George Gilbert and Alice and Gus Mumfrey, and the entire Roland family. He is also survived by his cousins in Texas, Brenda Gilmore, Jimmy Cole (Diane), and Bill Cole (Martha).

Richard was born on August 23, 1947, in Texarkana, Texas, and spent his childhood in Monroe, Louisiana. He then moved to Baton Rouge where he attended Louisiana State University. After graduating in just nine short years, Richard enrolled in post-graduate studies at Rice University where he focused on one of his life’s passions, Central European History. While studying at Rice, Richard spent a year in Vienna, Austria, as a Fulbright Scholar. His time in Vienna solidified his love of European history and culture and led to countless trips to Europe over his well-lived life.

Richard and Sally loved to travel and frequented Italy, accumulating many memories along the Amalfi Coast and in Rome, where Richard was on a first-name basis with local restaurant and hotel staff. Richard also considered New Orleans a second home, spending significant time walking the French Quarter, talking to friends at Tujague’s Bar (the original), and dining with Sally at their Saturday favorite, Bayona.

While at home in Baton Rouge, Richard could always be found at DiGiulio’s (usually at the corner of the bar) welcoming patrons with a warm smile and his customary invitation to “sit anywhere you like” in the quaint Baton Rouge staple to which he devoted his life. Richard naturally understood and had a passion for food and entertaining people. He loved his staff, customers, and dear friends who shared stories and shared their lives with him at “the restaurant.”

Richard was quick with a joke and the absolute epitome of dry wit. He was a student of the arts and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He was a connoisseur of fine food and drink. He was kind, gracious, and ever thoughtful. He was the ultimate giver of gifts and author of most thoughtful cards. He was a loyal friend, a loving father, and a doting grandfather. He was a master of his craft. Richard was a true gentleman.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Richard’s life, love, and happiness at University United Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802, on Saturday, January 29, 2022. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon in the fellowship hall, with a service immediately following in the sanctuary.