Thomas Cole Obituary

Mr.Cole was the profound professional coach and a huge role model to instill values of teamwork and hard work. I was impacted by our intense practices to go on to the high school level and have a sports career. I was a benchwarmer who was treated as a starter on Mr. Coles basketball team. Rest In Peace and many blessing to Tom and Richard as we go thru our lives.

Mr. Cole was my basketball coach at St. Lawrence O'Toole in Matteson, IL in 1976 and 1977. He made a profound impact on me that resonates to this day. He was a great leader, mentor, and role model who has always been resident on my short list of "heroes" in my life. I echo the remembrances of Larry Kucharski and David Schwellenbach on Mr. Cole's basketball coaching skills. I apply, to this very day, lessons Mr. Cole specifically taught me to the people that I lead in my job as a corporate executive. The last time I saw him was when we played tennis together at Matteson Park and in the middle of our first set he stopped and told me he'd never play with me again as I'd gotten too good. This was a wonderful way for him to encourage me and send me the message that I needed to immerse myself as a competitive tennis player. I play competitively to this day and hope to play as long in my life as Mr. Cole did in his. I'm terribly sorry that I wasn't aware of his death until this late date and would certainly have attended his services. My hope is his grandchildren will read my note and understand, just a little bit more, how much of an impact their grandfather had on people's lives.

Sally and I are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I apologize for our tardiness in sending condolences as we just heard about it. We always enjoyed seeing Tom at the tennis club as he was one of the friendliest people we knew. He always had a smile and a funny remark. He was a joy to be around and we will miss him.

Dear Barb and family,
Teresa and I along with all the Jungels family extend our condolences to you on the loss of Tom. He was a great guy and I always enjoyed his company.
We had many great times years back at St. Lawrence O'Toole. Tom and Jack Kelly always did such a great time with the basketball teams. Jack Regan and I ran a few fund raisers to support the sports program.
Teresa and I always enjoyed seeing Tom and some of the boys at Notre Dame football games. We missed seeing him over the last few years because of his illness.
I don't know why people have to go through so much difficulty in their last years but it happens way too often. Tom is now at rest and in peace in a much better place
Sorry that we can't make the services due to being out of town.
Our prayers are with you, Jerry and Teresa

Rob,
Your Dad was your all around "nice" guy who enjoyed life to the fullest, especially on the tennis court! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Pete and Judy

Peace to your family! I have great memories of Mr Cole and all the boys from Matteson Boys Baseball days. Best regards to all.

Dear Cole Family,

Our condolences on the passing of this wonderful man! May God watch over your family during this time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

So sorry for your loss. Tom leaves us with many wonderful memories of good times on Marco Island. Sympathy to you and family

So very sorry to hear about this sad news, Robbie.

May God bless you and your family, bringing you comfort during this time and always.

Love,

Lyle

My deepest sympathies; thoughts and prayers go out to the Cole family in this difficult time. My maternal grandmother, Lydia Stuenkel, lived just a few doors west of the Coles on 212th Place in Matteson back in the 70s. Rest in Peace Tom...

So sorry to hear the passing of a great man. Mr. Cole was the best basketball coach I have ever had. I coach his style and strategy with my own son and his 7th and 8th grade travel team today. That full court zone trap he taught me 41 years ago at St. Lawrence O'Toole still works today. So many memories on the basketball court and the baseball/softball fields that I will remember forever. A great coach, mentor, and friend to so many. My condolences to the entire Cole family.

We are all so sorry for the loss of Dj's father, Thomas Cole. He was always such a vibrant and energetic soul. I especially remember him on the campus of Notre Dame University on his way to the football game, walking faster than most of the students .

Mr. Cole was an amazing person and we'll miss him. He was a great neighbor, friend, and basketball coach. He was a true role model to us when we were growing up and lived the values he taught. He also had a great sense of humor. And if there are any tennis courts in heaven, he'll find them. Rest in peace, Mr. Cole.

Mr. Cole was one of the great influences on my life. I had the privilege of playing basketball for him in grammar school. He taught me the important lessons in life ; Drive, courage, resilience, pride,and honor .

The lessons he taught me on and off the basketball court, have stayed with me forever. It was a privilege and an honor to play for him.

When I faced a very difficult health situation five years ago, I remembered his lectures on drive, staying strong, and never quiting. These were invaluable in saving my life at that time. I will be forever grateful.

Some people come into our lives, don't stay very long, but leave "footprints" on our existence. We are never the same thereafter. Mr. Cole was one of those people for me.

To the Coles,may your great father rest in peace. Rob, I would love to hear from you sometime. God bless you and your family .

Dave Maloney, Charlotte, NC, [email protected]