Eugene "Gene" Cole

Eugene “Gene” Cole died peacefully at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Orlando, FL on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at the age of 69 years. Gene was born in Roselle Park, NJ on May 20, 1954, to James and Anne Cole, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 44 years, Kimberley “Kim” Ward Cole and his three sons, Tiernan and wife Melissa Lovejoy of Port Charlotte, FL, Austin and wife Priya Shanmugam, along with grandson Rohan Sundar Cole, of Denver, CO, and Farrell and wife Kristin Stoker Cole of Birmingham, AL. He is also survived by siblings Lucille of Bedminister NJ, William and his wife Colette of Cranford, and Jeffrey and his wife Alice of Upper Montclair, NJ, and his sister-in-law Jaynee LaVecchia of Morristown, NJ, along with many nieces and nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his siblings Michael of Morristown, NJ, James of Rahway, NJ, and Margaret “Peg” Warms of Skillman, NJ.

Gene attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and Roselle Catholic High School, before completing his undergraduate degree in Educational Psychology at McGill University, in Montreal, Canada. Gene later attended graduate school at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, becoming a lifelong Pirates basketball fan in the process. Seton Hall held a dear place in his heart; it is where he married his high school sweetheart, Kim in the Chapel on July 21, 1979; and where his three sons were baptized.

Gene and Kim started their married life in Maplewood, NJ. Their first move was to Cookeville, TN where Gene became the Grand Knight of the Cookeville Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, maintaining a lifelong membership. Gene built a life in Tampa, FL, where he lived for over 23 years and found a calling in the computer consulting industry, working in sales for Capgemini America, Perot Systems, Keane Inc. He later relocated to South Florida, Northern California, and New Jersey before returning to Florida and settling in Orlando. Gene was a born salesman who could talk to any and everyone. He loved his family and was always there for anyone in need.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 am on Saturday, November 4 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S Dale Mabry, Tampa. From 9 am – 10 am, friends and relatives may gather at the Church to share their thoughts and wishes. A reception will follow the Funeral Mass at 1409 South Moody Avenue, Tampa, FL 33629. Father Len Plazewski will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gene’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the upkeep of the USF Catholic Center (https://osvhub.com/catholicusf/giving/funds). Condolences can be sent to blountcurrymacdill.com