Final Salute

Robert Joseph Cole, Sr. also known as “Biggy,” passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, at Talbot Hospice House in Easton, Maryland.
Born on May 22, 1929, in Skipton, Maryland, he was the son of the late Thomas Clifton Cole and Hilda Callahan. A proud veteran, Biggy served in the U.S. Navy and Seabees from 1950 to 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1954.
Following his military service, Biggy worked for C&P Telephone Company (now Verizon) for 36 years, retiring in 1983. After his retirement, he pursued his passions by working as a hunting guide and part-time at Hog Neck Golf Course.
Biggy was a passionate participant in Isshinryu Karate, achieving the rank of 3rd-degree black belt at the remarkable age of 85. His hobbies and interests included hunting, crabbing, fishing, golfing, and playing the guitar, pursuits that brought him joy and connected him to family and friends.
Biggy is survived by his two sons, Robert Joseph Cole, Jr., and Bruce Wayne Cole (Kathy), both of Easton, Maryland; one grandson, Joseph Wayne Cole; one brother, Billy Cole; and one sister, Pat Chaplain. He was predeceased by his brother, Francis Cole, and three sisters, Peggy Ewing, Joyce Poore, and Mary Lee Prichard.
He is also survived by his loving companion of 37 years, Leslie Gay, and her children, Phil Gay (Jennifer) and Jed Gay (Lesley), as well as her grandchildren Jonathan, Emily, Maddison, Katelyn, Jacob, and Harrison Gay, and great-grandchildren Addison, Harper, Mason, Dawson, and Evelyn.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Frampton Funeral Home – Ostrowski Chapel, 312 S. Talbot Street, Saint Michaels, Maryland, followed by a service at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Talbot Hospice in Biggy’s memory.
Biggy will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his warmth, adventurous spirit, and the love he shared with his family and friends.
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