Remembering Chris Cole

Christopher Warren Cole, 77, passed away on April 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on September 21, 1948, in Mount Vernon, New York, Chris grew up in Connecticut and then St. Petersburg, Florida. He went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science under a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship.

Chris proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 32 years, retiring with distinction as a two-star Rear Admiral. A Naval Aviator, he piloted helicopters and went on to command two helicopter squadrons, serve as Captain of the USS El Paso (LKA-117) and the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), and was Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea and Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. His personal awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards), Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), and Navy Commendation Medal. After retirement, he continued his commitment to his country through his leadership with the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation and the Military Bowl.

Chris will be remembered for his rare ability to pair strong leadership with genuine warmth. He led with confidence and heart, bringing humor, approachability, and a gift for making others feel welcome wherever he went. He was an avid fan of his UNC Tar Heels, the New York Yankees, and the Washington Nationals, a lover of Star Wars, Horatio Hornblower, and Pixar films, and in retirement, he was rarely seen without one of his signature Hawaiian shirts. Chris is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Kathy; his beloved daughters, Elizabeth Garber (David), Emily Howard (Grant), and Sarah Cole (Walker); his cherished grandchildren, Ruth Louise and Calvin Lamar Garber, Henry Christopher and Ellis Elizabeth Howard, and Jane Warren Hamby; his younger brother, Tyler (Candice) Cole; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his older sister, Linda Ryder, and his parents, David and Louise Cole.