Timothy P. Cole

1950 - 2020

Timothy Perry Cole died at home in Washington, CT on February 13, 2020. The cause was an apparent heart attack. Born in Hartford, CT on May 16, 1950, Tim grew up in Pittsfield, MA. When he was 11, his family moved to Erie, PA. He later attended Lenox School in Lenox, MA. He was deeply impressed by their motto "Not to be served, but to serve." He also studied as an exchange student at Rugby School in England. He attended Dartmouth College, spent his junior year at Krogerup School in Denmark and a semester in his senior year in West Berlin. After graduation, he returned to Berlin and Copenhagen. He did his doctoral research in Stuttgart, Germany, and received his PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He enjoyed synthesizing the arts, philosophy, literature, poetry and science. Leaving the academic world, Tim moved back to Hartford and became a picture framer, enjoying the use of visual and hand skills as well as dealing with all sorts of people. He lived in Hartford for the next 31 years, ultimately working for nonprofit organizations, and as the executive secretary of the state energy efficiency board. A committed volunteer, he was also a community leader and activist. He struggled with depression for much of his life. After joining a 12-step program, he was sober for the rest of his life, rejoined the Episcopal Church and found further growth with meditation and yoga. In 2012, he suffered a near fatal heart attack and the experience profoundly changed him. Two months later, he met Missy Stevens, and shortly after moved to the Litchfield Hills to live with her. He spent the last eight years of his life writing, photographing, volunteering, learning, sharing and being the curious, bright, compassionate, opinionated human being he was. He is survived by his sister Carol Cole Flanagan; brothers Jeffrey Cole and Tom Jackson; niece Patsy Flanagan; nephews Benjamin Cole and Samuel Cole; his bonus daughters Lorna, Megan (and Jonny), Samantha (and Calvin); and his bonus grandchildren Tyrasia, Kaylin, Calvin, Allie and Freya. There will be a memorial service to celebrate Tim on April 19 at 3:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Washington, CT. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Open House Ramle or Church St. Eats, Christ Church Cathedral, 45 Church St., Hartford, CT.