Oliver R. Cole ’23
Oliver Cole, a man of quiet strength, intelligence, and generosity, passed away on Monday, February 17th, 2025, at the age of 26. A dedicated and passionate individual, Oliver lived a life rich in adventure, always seeking out new challenges and experiences.
He led an active lifestyle, spending countless hours walking the woods of Dogtown, practicing archery, and exploring the depths of the ocean while scuba diving. Whether it was whittling wood or engaging in any hands-on activity, he was always at his best when faced with a challenge. His deep curiosity made him a fascinating person to be around. Oliver had an incredible ability to learn anything he set his mind to, always succeeding through hard work and perseverance, even when the odds were against him.
Oliver’s pursuit of a career in the Navy began at Maine Maritime Academy, where he graduated from the Engineering Technology program. His dedication to finishing school and embarking on a promising career as a Navy engineer in Norfolk, VA, demonstrated his ambition and commitment. He dreamed of continuing his education and growing in his career, always striving to improve himself and serve his country with honor. He had a gentle soul and a profound respect for others. He was a patient listener, often speaking little but always offering words that carried weight when he did. Those who knew him treasured his dry, dark sense of humor that brought both laughter and insight in equal measure.
Oliver’s love of reading, watching movies, and diving into intellectual pursuits made him an enriching presence in any conversation. Though he never sought attention, his quiet but strong presence was felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Oliver is survived by his mother, Dawn M. Rennicks; father, Phillip Y. Cole; sister, Jacquelyn M. Cole, and her husband, Joseph Anderton; his grandparents, Edward J. Rennicks, Lauren A. Rennicks, and Elanor Cole; his uncle, Jay Rennicks, and his two sons, James and Justin Rennicks. They will deeply miss his wisdom, compassion, and unassuming strength. His legacy of quiet resilience, deep intelligence, and generosity will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Services for Oliver are private. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.
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