Dennis Devere Cole

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dennis Cole. Dennis is survived by his wife, Barbara Cole; his three children, Deana Carlson, Dean Mutino and Teresa Alleva; his four grandchildren, Tyler, Anthony, Madison and Kristin. In addition, Dennis is loved by his sisters, Luanne and Lisa; his brothers, Wesley, Michael and Robby. He also leaves an extended family consisting of many in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, additional family members and friends that loved him deeply.

Dennis is the son of Joan and William Vickers and Richard Cole. He grew up on Long Island where he attended high school and later worked for the Town of Islip. He met Barbara in 1983 and after some convincing, married her on February 24, 1984. This past February, they celebrated 35 years of wedded bliss.

During their years together, Barbara and Dennis had many great adventures. They lived all over the country. Their journey together began in East Islip, NY, then went to Miramar, FL. From there they moved back to East Islip before settling in Center Moriches, NY for several years. During their stay in Center Moriches, Dennis tried his hand at running a bar named Tailgators in Patchogue, NY. After owning the bar, Dennis and Barbara purchased a 35 foot RV and travelled around the country. Those of you who knew Dennis well, knew he would not get on a plane. 

Their travels around the country took them to 28 states and numerous national parks: Yellow Stone, The Grand Canyon, Sequoia National Park, The Badlands, Big Bend and many others. In addition, they went to Mount Rushmore, the Hoover Dam, The Four Corners, The Alamo and many other national and historic landmarks.

In additional to traveling, Dennis was an avid fisherman and boater. His last words to many were, “Do you want to buy my boat? It’s in great shape and I’ll even throw in the fishing gear.”

Dennis’s journey came to an end in Orange Park, FL on Saturday, May 25, 2019 with his family and friends surrounding him. Here he spent the last five years of his life with Barbara near his family including his beloved Aunt Barbara and Uncle Howie.  He also spent many days, sitting under a tree sharing everything with his best friend, Sal. Sal was my dad’s constant companion and an important member of our family. With his dogs, Scruffy and Coco, at his feet, Sal drinking a beer, my dad with his Gentleman’s Jack and my mom a short distance away, was when my dad was at his happiest.

Dennis will begin his homecoming journey on Friday, May 31, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. with a service at 8:00 p.m. at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 (904) 264-1233 with additional services to be held in New York soon after.

My father was not a perfect man.  He made many mistakes in his life but he lived his life to the fullest. His journey was filled with adventure and laughter. He celebrated 35 years of marriage with my mother and made her the center of his universe. Although we always said, “Whatever Dennis wants Dennis gets.” He always made sure he made my mother smile while he was doing it.

            May he rest in peace.

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