Christopher L. Cole

Christopher L. Cole, 64, of Spring Valley Drive, passed away March 26, 2024 at his home.

Chris was born on August 4, 1959, in Watertown, NY, son of Merlin V. and Joan T. (Monnat) Cole. After attending Augustinian Academy, until the 8th grade, Chris graduated from Carthage Central High School in 1977. He then attended Jefferson Community College for a year before attending Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital School of Nursing where he received his Diploma Degree as a RN in 1981. He retired from nursing in June of 2022, after 40 years as an RN and 2 years as an LPN.

On July 3, 1987, he married Kathy A. Peebles at his parent’s home. On that date it was also Kathy’s birthday. In June of 2022 the marriage ended in divorce.

Chris entered the US Army Reserves as a Second Lieutenant and was stationed initially with the 331st General Hospital Unit in Utica and was also served with the 440th Medical Clearing Unit in Watertown. Chris was a Major, serving in the US Army Nurse Corp. and was honorably discharged on February 13, 1997. Chris was awarded several ribbons the highest being the Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.

Chris was a former member of St. James Catholic Church in Carthage, a former member of the Elks Lodge (Carthage) and was a Little League Coach for the Elks Lodge. He was a member of the Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corp. where he received the Director Team Award, playing in the drum line. Chris was active in continuing education for Nursing, for numerous professional certificates and belonged to the Infection Control Chapter in Syracuse, NY. He was active in high school sports where he received a variety of Letters in Track, Cross Country, Gymnastics and JV football. Later he enjoyed hunting, fishing and landscaping.

Surviving besides his wife Kathy are, a son Ryan (Heather) Cole, Lyman, SC, a daughter, Meghan (Dustin) Morris, South Mills, NC, a step son, Justin (Kaitlyn) Peebles, two sisters Valerie Seydler and Colleen Edick, both of Croghan, NY, four grandchildren, Lila, Quinn, Rowan and McKinley, several nieces and nephews.

Chris had a special place in his heart for his close friends also, his fellow healthcare workers that he had worked with over the years. He retired from Samaritan Hospital and Lewis County general Hospital. In total worked at 15 hospitals on a full or part time basis. He loved the challenges that nursing brought and mentored many.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 3-5pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A memorial service will follow at 5pm, all are welcome to attend. Burial will be the Wednesday at 10 am in New St. James Cemetery on South James Street in Carthage, NY, close to the village line, immediately family and close friends are asked to attend the burial.

Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com Donations may be made in Chris’s name to Augustinian Academy, 317 West Street, Carthage, NY 13619 .

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