THOMAS F. X. COLE

COLE, Thomas F. X. 58, of Somerville and formerly of Worcester, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. A man for all seasons, he had an insatiable hunger for knowledge, food, friendship, music, and above all, family. His career in news and media strategy started on the Worcester Telegram copy desk and culminated on the business side at The Boston Globe. His wit and acumen were known to all across the news-business divide. His love for friends made at Harvard molded him as a "reunion enthusiast," and organizer for the Class of 1980 and for Harvard University Band gatherings. He was never happier than when cooking a feast for those he held near – or had just met. He played the tuba and piano, filling the home with music; ran his first half-marathon last year; became the self-taught race photographer for the Somerville Road Runners; read history books and historic plaques wherever he went. His devotion to his wife, Elizabeth Cooney, and sons, Benjamin and Daniel Cole, both of Brooklyn, NY, was deep and enduring. Born in Springfield, MA, he was the cherished son of Frank J. Cole of Auburn, MA, and the late Irene T. (Pion) Cole. Tom is also survived by his brothers, Michael Cole and his wife, Corey, of Westford, MA, Frank Cole and his wife, Suzanne, of Leicester, MA; and his sisters, Judith Jones and her husband, Evan, of Nashua, NH, and Mary Beth Curnen and her husband, Michael, of Auburn. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, February 22, at the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Square), SOMERVILLE. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. On Tuesday, February 23, a Remembrance Gathering will be held at Harvard's Loeb House, 17 Quincy St., Cambridge, beginning at 11 a.m., with remarks by Tom's friends and family. Light refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Thomas F.X. Cole to arts and social services organizations, including A Far Cry (afarcry.org), and Best Buddies Massachusetts (bestbuddies.org/find-programs/massachusetts). For more information, www.dohertyfuneralservice.com