Philip D. Cole

He was born to the late Dennis and Winifred Cole, Jan. 30, 1948, at Cape Cod Hospital.

Phil graduated from Nauset High School in 1966, attended Northeastern University, and received a BA in Geology and Environmental Planning from the University of Maine at Farmington in 1990.

He married Virginia Mary Keefe in 1973, and they lived together in Farmington, Maine before relocating to Truro in 1995.

Phil and Virginia founded, operated and sold two carpet and upholstery cleaning businesses first in Maine, and then on Cape Cod before retirement in 2014. In retirement Phil worked for several local businesses, including a local lawn and garden company, a job he loved for the people and plants.

When not working Phil devoted himself to his family, and the nature surrounding him, beginning his life exploring the soft dunes and pine forests of Truro. He then found the beauty of Maine, not only in the forests, mountains and streams, but also in “Honey”, his beloved wife and devoted partner of 53 years. Returning to Cape Cod in 1995, Phil and Virginia continued to vacation in Maine, while rekindling their love for the ocean, living in the Outer Cape towns of Truro, Eastham and most recently Wellfleet.

A talented artist, Phil created many works of art using a variety of mediums. His homes always featured meticulous landscapes, made possible by his talent for gardening and phenomenal work ethic. Phil’s commitment to nature extended to wildlife and weather. He handcrafted ornate birdhouses, rescued wildlife in distress, and tracked with concern and fascination every impending storm.

Philip is survived by his wife Virgina and three children: Hannah Cole, of Centerville; Elizabeth Cole, of Truro; and Josiah Cole, of Eastham. He also is survived by eight grandchildren; Cole, Eli, Stella, Lucie, Sophia, Gavin, Caleb, and Cora. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Wildcare of Cape Cod. Burial will be private, followed by a celebration of life at a later date.