Gregory Paul Cole
September 07, 1966 - October 31, 2022
Visitation: Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.; Devlin Funeral Home, Inc., Ross Twp.
Service: Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, St. Teresa of Avila Church, Friday, 12 Noon.
Gregory Paul Cole of Ben Avon passed away on Monday October 31, 2022. Born September 7th, 1966, in Pittsburgh PA. Beloved son of Lois (Reith) Cole and the late John A Cole Sr.; Loving brother of Karen C. Kennedy (John E), John A Cole Jr. (Karen), Timothy J Cole (Karen Summers); Proud uncle of Laura Allenbaugh (Josh), Elizabeth Cole Kodikara (Tim) Patricia Cole, Amber Steinmetz (Jason Melvin), Dylan Cole and Emma Kennedy also survived by many great nieces, nephews and cousins. Greg worked for over 30 years as a computer engineer at NIOSHMines, where his unofficial nickname was “Dark Overlord.” He was particularly proud of his “crew,” a group of programmers he mentored who created award-winning applications used internationally. He shared a house with his sister and brother-in-law in Ben Avon, and enjoyed hosting Christmas parties and fantasy football drafts. He did not know the meaning of the word adversity, and made the most of the 40+ years he spent in “the chair.” His friends were all familiar with his sense of humor and his ironic take on life was on display every holiday when he composed poems for the occasion. He was very proud of his godson, Dylan, and his goddaughter, Emma. He took a memorable family trip to Ireland where he proudly downed a brew at the Brazen Head, a bar established in 1198, and left behind a Terrible Towel. Friends received Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Devlin Funeral Home Inc 806 Perry Hwy North Hills. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish St. Teresa of Avila Church Friday 12 Noon.
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I was Greg’s first roommate in college at Wright State University. I was less than a perfect roommate but Greg and I muddled through being away from our families for the first time and like to think we became life long friends. I am blessed to have had one last visit with Greg a few years ago in Pittsburgh. Reading through the memories, it appears I am not the only one who appreciated Greg’s sense of humor. I still remember vividly Greg programming in C while he danced to Weird Al in his chair. As long as l still having a functioning brain, he will never be forgotten.
Greg was an amazing both as person and as a co-worker. I always was looking for opportunities to work with him because I knew I would learn a lot and have a great time. He will be missed. Cheers Greg!
RIP Gregory, may God bless your family.
There is no one at NIOSH that I enjoyed working with (and joking with) more than Greg. I regret that I wasn’t able to have more opportunities to work directly with him. I will miss him dearly as will all at NIOSH. My deepest condolences to Greg’s family.
I was one of Greg’s personal care attendants. I only knew him for a year, but we had some good laughs. We would listen to music and talk about everything . His company in the mornings made my day much better. I know he’s running with the angels now. I will miss our time together. ( and watering Larry and Larry Jr.)
My deepest sympathy to all the family members,friends, and people whom had a place in their heart for this exemplary man….he left the world a better place….& most people wanting to do their best….Greg you are going to be so horribly missed… A PURE CHARTIERS SALUTE TO A YOUNG MAN, WHOM OVERCAME SEVERE ADVERSITY…. AND GAVE HIS ALL ….God hold you in HIS ARMS NOW🙏😇🇺🇸Thank you dear HERO😎❤️
To say I will miss Greg seems too simple a phrase. It still feels wrong to refer to Greg in the past tense. While he was the person who taught me how to do most of my job, what I will remember most is his kind, patient, perpetually positive way of being. Greg was a teacher. Beyond explaining how to use one of the brilliant products he and his crew developed or providing a master class in creative uses of poetry, he taught us all how to be, how to live beyond adversity and challenge, and how to do so with wit, grit, and grace. I am forever better for having known him.
My deepest condolences to Greg’s family. Greg was a wonderful human being. Working with him at NIOSH was a delight. I honestly cannot think of a single time we spoke that I did not enjoy myself. He was intelligent, he had wisdom, he was caring, he had wit. His updates were sonnets – literal poems! I cannot think of him without a smile coming to my face. What heart. I cannot think of the Mining Program without him and will keep him in my memory.
I first met Greg when he started as an intern with the USBM. Over the next 30+ years, I knew him as a coworker, briefly as his supervisor, and a friend. He was an amazing person with such an upbeat attitude that was contagious. I loved when he’d stop by my office on his way to/from meetings. He had the best stories. The world is a better place for his having been a part of it and a little sadder today with him.
My deepest sympathy to Greg’s family. He was a wonderful, fun and extremely intelligent man who was an inspiration to all. Rest in peace my friend and run free with the angels.
The Dark Overlord was never dark, always pleasant and uplifting! I called him Gregorio the Great! I will miss him fiercely! Rest easy, my guy!
It’s hard to find words to fully express how much Greg has meant to me. I have been so lucky to call him my cousin, but even more so, my dear friend. Greg had an amazing sense of humor, a sublime intelligence and a deep wisdom, which I came to recognize more fully after he signed on with me a few years ago to learn about meditation. Over those years, I am certain I’ve learned more from Greg about resilience, acceptance, compassion and relishing the present moment than he ever learned from me. I will miss him and will cherish my memories of him. I am so grateful for all the gifts he had given us, including his beautiful poems. All my love and condolences to the Cole family.
Lois, Karen, John, Tim and family – Our deepest sympathies on Greg’s passing. Such great neighbors and so many great Jefferson Drive memories…all the fun at summer and holiday get- togethers. So many laughs to be sure. So sorry not to be able to see you all in person today. Praying for all and God Bless! Love, Betty Jo, Vicky and Tom Armstrong
To know Greg was a blessing. He had a great sense of humor and always greeted me with a fist bump and a smile. It was truly a privilege to know him and work with him. His optimism was an inspiration for everyone. I can truly say I am a better person by knowing him. God bless you Greg.
Dear Lois and family,
Please receive our most heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Greg. We are so saddend by his loss much too soon. He was a remarkable person in many ways. We enjoyed his company on holidays. He will be missed.
Greg was a great guy to work with. When he would come into our building for a meeting he always stopped by my office, and we always had a nice chat. His positive attitude and sense of humor was amazing. On Saturday’s when I would ride my bike to The Point, he was there just enjoying the scenery of the Three Rivers and we would people watch. I will miss seeing him at work and at The Point. Greg was a true hero in my eyes.
Greg will leave an everlasting impression on those who knew him. He had the best sense of humor and a contagious optimism which has helped me grow as a professional. I am going to miss meeting up for early breakfast at diners and chatting. Goodbye friend!
Greg was a special guy. He was one of my favorite clients in my architectural career. Such a wonderful, caring person who enjoyed a full life. The caring between his sister , her family and Greg was what love is all about. God bless you Greg.
Greg was always positive, always helpful, always gave me a good laugh, and helped me see the bright side of things! Rest easy my Words with Friends buddy! You will be missed.
Greg had the best sense of humor around! He always had a way of finding humor in any situation and created an atmosphere of levity that brought everyone together. I’ll miss seeing him around the office. Truly one of the best.
Dear Lois and Family,
Our deepest sympathies on Greg’s passing. We can’t even begin to imagine the pain of your loss. Greg was an exceptional person who overcame his adversities by living his life with a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. We can’t ever remember a time when he complained or felt sorry for himself. He was all in to live his life to the fullest. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace in his heavenly home.
Del & Joan Comstock
As a member of Greg’s “crew”, I have worked with Greg nearly every day for the past eight years. Greg was a wonderful man who was always positive in everything he did, regardless of any adversity he faced. I can remember my first week at NIOSH and within 3 days of starting, my grandmother passed away. I was so nervous to start a new job and immediately tell my boss that I had to take time off. I told him and he said, “take the time that you need, family is what is truly important.” I knew then that Greg a special person and an exceptional manager.
As I have matured both personally and professionally, I am learning that the true impact you can leave in this world are not things you buy or awards on the wall, but the people whose lives you change. Greg has left an incredible impact on my life and my career, and it is truly an honor to be mentioned in Greg’s obituary – a merit to which I can imagine no greater. I hope to honor Greg by positively impacting others in their lives as he has mine.
Greg will be deeply missed.
With our deepest condolences, Jon (and Justine) Fritz
So sorry to hear about Greg, he was one of a kind. Greg was always the most optimistic person in the room. He always worked hard, but also took time for a good laugh. He will be missed beyond measure.
I didn’t know Greg all that well but enjoyed every moment I spent with him. We’d have a
mixture of technical and personal conversations after which I always felt positive. God bless you, my Friend.
Gone too soon, Greg was always the voice of sanity and reason that would help pierce through even the most thick layers of beaurocracy. When I order extra bacon for breakfast, I’ll be thinking of ya.
Greg put smiles on faces every time he wrote an email or entered a room – even a virtual one. Greg truly lived his life to the fullest. Sometimes when I drove into our parking lot, I’d find him sitting outside appreciating the sunrise before he started his workday. The world lost one of its best — devastating.
Dear Lois and Family,
Our deepest sympathies on Greg’s passing. We can’t even begin to imagine the pain of your loss. Greg was an exceptional person who overcame his adversities by living his life with a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. We can’t ever remember a time when he complained or felt sorry for himself. He was all in to live his life to the fullest. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace in his heavenly home.
Del & Joan Comstock
Greg was an outstanding person! He always made me laugh! He will be missed! Hugs to his family!
Greg was an outstanding person! He always made me laugh! He will be missed! Hugs to his family!
Greg was instrumental in our branch’s winning of the SME Health and Safety Research and Educational Excellence Award in 2018 for his contributions to Helmet-CAM.
I never knew anyone so positive and inspirational. He always looked at the brighter side of every issue and convinced me to do the same! I will miss our long conversations and our breakfasts at your favorite diner.
So sorry to hear about Greg’s passing. He was a wonderful person and colleague. I’m blessed to have worked with him over the years at the NIOSH Office of Mining Safety and Health in Pittsburgh. Will be praying for all of you.
Greg and the Cole family were the best next-door neighbors we could have asked for. Lynn and I will always look fondly on our evenings spent on the patio with Greg laughing into the wee hours of the night. He was a terrific soul and a good friend. The Davis family sends its heartfelt condolences.
Dear Cole Family, we will miss Greg very much. He was an icon, and will forever remember the laughs we shared through the years. Our hearts go out to you in this time. Greg was one of my mentors in life and I am truly grateful for the “Dark Overlord” guiding my path. We all know that there will be laughter in heaven raining down on us as someone up there is reacting to his quirky quips. We love you all and it is with deep sorrow that we send our best wishes. -Love the Pawlak family.
My long time friend who could always make me laugh till I cried. Even though you are no longer here on earth you’ll always be in my heart. You will be missed Greg