Dr Chris Cole

Christopher John Cole passed away June 4, 2018 at the age of 57.

Chris was born August 28, 1960 in Rochester, New York to Mary (Molly) (Bruckel) and Robert G. Cole, Sr. The youngest of four children, Chris grew up in Avon, New York, where his mother taught social studies and served as mayor for two terms. His father was a businessman who owned a sand and gravel company and farm. Chris was an intelligent and charismatic child. Raised by his grandmother, Chris was able to read by the age of three. His inquisitive nature contributed to his success in school. Chris was awarded the German Achievement award from McQuaid Jesuit High School. He was an A+ student and an avid game player. While in high school, his curious nature helped him to broaden his interests. He developed a love of travel and went abroad frequently. From a young age he gained an interest in the stock market and began to invest early. His interests included reading, bowling, and working on computers.

After graduating from McQuaid Jesuit High School, Chris went on to complete his undergraduate work at Georgetown University, and his graduate work from Otago University in New Zealand. He graduated from Ohio State Medical School (summa cum laude), receiving the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology’s Award for his work with microbiology and infectious diseases. Chris completed his medical residency at MD Anderson Cancer Center, attaining the status of Chief Resident. He was the first resident at St. Joseph’s Hospital Family Practice Residency and attended the Army War College for an honorary seminar. He became a medical doctor as a radiation oncologist and a family practitioner. He loved to practice medicine and cared greatly for his patients.

It was while Chris was in graduate school at Otago University in New Zealand that he met his beloved wife, Payom. They were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bangkok, Thailand on May 2, 1984. They were blessed with 34 years of marriage and four loving daughters. Although he was only officially diagnosed 16 years ago, Chris dealt with Parkinson’s disease for the majority of his life while raising a family. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. While the girls were growing up, he frequently went on vacation with his family to Disney World and Disneyland. Christmas with all four of his daughters was always the highlight of each year. It was important to him that he instilled a good set of morals in his girls. A practicing Roman Catholic, he often told his girls, “Your mother and I have always tried to guide you like Christ would have.” Family always came first.

Chris was a true Renaissance man with a well-rounded set of interests. He was intelligent, inquisitive, witty, had a great sense of humor, and never ceased striving for excellence. Chris loved to travel, and was blessed to have been able to travel to his favorite locations including: New Zealand, Rome, Italy, Bangkok, Thailand, Virginia, Utah, New Mexico, Ohio, Missouri, New York, California, and Colorado. In his free time, he enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, and playing video games. He was a linguist who loved classic movies, music, cycling, baking and had a vast collection of DVDs that included his favorite 1960’s TV shows and British television. He will be remembered for his honest and kind character.

Chris was preceded in death by his father Robert G. Cole, Sr. and his older brother, Richard A. Cole. Chris will be lovingly mourned by his wife Payom M. Cole, his mother Molly Cole, his oldest brother Robert G. Cole, Jr., his sister and brother-in-law Kathryn A. and Lynn Chipperfield, his sister-in-law Shannon R. Cole; his children Alexandra Cole Fitzgerald (and son-in-law Mark Fitzgerald), Lauren E. Cole, Meredith A. Cole, Molly K. Cole; and his nieces and nephews Amanda, Andrew, Brandon, and Justin.

The family has planned a visitation on Monday, June 11, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a rosary starting at 7:00 pm at Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan.