Everett ‘Steve’ Cole

Surrounded by his family, Everett “Steve” Cole, 68 years of age, passed away peacefully on Nov. 20, 2021.

Steve was a man of faith who served his community diligently and loved others with the love of Christ.

During his junior year of high school in 1968, his family moved to Port Washington, Wis. At Port Washington High School, he met his future wife, Judy Pierringer.

In November 1971, he enlisted in the Army. Steve actively served for three years and then joined the Special Forces Reserve to complete 20 years with the Army.

His greatest treasure was becoming a father in 1979. He and Judy were blessed with seven children (Patrick, Kelly, Beth, Joseph, Christine, Michael, and Rachel).

After moving from Wisconsin to Florida, he began his career in Naples, Fla., as a news reporter. In 1984, he moved to Tampa, Fla., and was a reporter for News Channel 8.

From 1987 to 2000, Steve was the public information officer at the Tampa Police Department. In May 2000 he went to work as the public affairs specialist for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and retired in 2010.

Steve was not only accomplished in his military career and civilian career but was also a devoted father and husband. He was also known as “the neighborhood dad.” He was known for an amazing campfire, handing out chores and feeding anyone generously who joined the party. He treated everyone like family.

Steve was preceded in death by his father Everett T. Cole, mother Janice Whitney Cole, sister Elizabeth Naragon and daughter Kelly Cole.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Judy Cole; his six children, Patrick, Beth, Joseph, Christine, Michael and Rachel; his five sisters, Katey, Lucy, Amy, Alston and Georgia; and 10 grandchildren, soon to be 11.

A special thanks to those who joined us in honoring a man who was a veteran, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and a friend to all who he met.

A funeral Mass at Corpus Christi Church in Temple Terrace and a military burial at Florida National Cemetery were held on Dec. 3, 2021.

In lieu of flowers , a donation can be made in Steve’s honor to Meals on Wheels.