Photo courtesy of Honaker Funeral Home, Inc. - Slidell
Slidell, Louisiana
Feb 10, 1931 – Aug 27, 2020 (Age 89)
Ronnie Jerome Kole, of Slidell, LA, passed away at his residence on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at the age of 89 years. An internationally known New Orleans Jazz pianist and well known philanthropist who had a flair for life and his music.
A well respected jazz icon, he was known for his unique persona and elegant piano playing style. Kole’s key influencers were other well known greats, such as Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, Al Hirt and Pete Fountain. Some of his legacies include induction in The Louisiana Hall of Fame 2012, Legends Park induction, played for Pope John Paul II at the Papal Mass in New Orleans, One of the founding members of French Quarter Festival, played for 6 former presidents, Sugar Bowl President, Co-Founder of Jazz on the Bayou and President of the World Trade Center. Ronnie has helped raised millions of dollars over the years furthering the work of such organizations as Easter Seals, S.T.A.R.C and Slidell Cultural Arts, as well as others. Ronnie was a man of great character and undeniable wit, full of life and determination. Kole was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a friend to many who will be forever loved and missed.
Preceded in death by first wife, Violet Shafer Kole, second wife, Gardner Morrow Schneider Kole, his parents, Vincent Kuhn and Betty Michaels Kuhn, a son, James F. Kuhn and a grandson, Joshua Kuhn. He was survived by his children, Sandra Kole Bernos (Larry),Poplarville, MS., Rhonda Kole Glassmeyer (Kenny), Slidell, LA., Ronnie Kole Jr. (JoAnn), Lafayette, LA., Bobbie Kole Ballero (Louis), New Orleans, LA., James V. Kuhn (Kim),Decatur, IL., his step children, Pete Schneider (Elizabeth), Slidell, LA., Chris Schneider (Sharon), Slidell, LA., Doree Schneider Donovan (Michael), Slidell, LA., a brother, Jerry Kuhn (Chris), Ft. Myers, Fl., a sister, Lucille Weingartner, Wheaton, Il., his grandchildren, Russell Viola Jr, David Viola, Nikole Viola Billiot, Russell Bernos, William Murfin, Kory Kole, Stephen Kole, Daniel Kole, Shannon Mouton Cuveas, Michael Mouton, Jr., Geoffrey Ballero, Lauren Ballero Roth, Michael Ballero, Kristin Williams, and 18 great grandchildren.the family would like to extend special thanks to Canon Hospice and to Ethel Kemp, who was a devoted and loving family caregiver for many years.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Visitation on Wednesday evening, September 2, 2020 at the Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, LA, 70461, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 P.M. Due to COVID-19 regulations, those who are attending we ask that you wear a mask and adhere to social distancing.
The Funeral Services and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following charities: Easter Seals, St Tammany STARC or Slidell Cultural Arts, preferred.
Read MoreWas partner of Grunewalds music,great man did much for New Orleans, wonderful musician
Glen Holloway
August 28, 2022 | Incline Village, NV | Friend
Prayers for all who knew & loved him.
I was honored to have met him at a performance he gave at my school in the early 70’s
He left a very positive impression on me &
I admire all he has done in his music & for others
Cathy Ward
April 07, 2021 | Covington, LA
We have memories back when Ronnie Kole and the Heavyweights played my Dads club in Albany NY. (Maybe 1965 or so). He was brilliant!! Loved Amazing Grace.
Denise Abbadessa
December 27, 2020 | Albany New York, UM | Acquaintance
I fondly remember Ronnie from when he was playing piano in my Dad's cocktail lounge in Cicero IL. My Dad had just picked me up from accordion practice and we stopped at the bar. Ronnie had me join him on stage and we played a piano accordion duet. Ronnie played that old piano beautifully while I struggled to keep up. When we finished the tips were huge, (at least to a 6 year old). Ronnie said Rich you can keep all the tips. I knew right then, I played with a superstar! I'll never forget...
Richard Vasto
October 09, 2020 | Reno, NV | Friend
It was with great sadness that I heard about Ronnie's passing. My son and daughter-in-law and I had just visited Ronnie and Gardner In June of 2019 to celebrate my 97th birthday. My husband Jim and I moved to Slidell when JIm became the director of Tourism for St. Tammany Parish, and Ronnie and Gardner welcomed us with open arms. Ronnie and Jim were like long lost brothers, constantly joking with each other, and coming up with some fantastic ideas for the tourism industry.
I will...
Dottie Pasley
October 04, 2020 | Maryland Heights, MO | Friend
Ronnie Kole was the most caring, loving, passionate and sincerely genuine human being I ever met. ..... I was honored to have known him. His music was so full of his emotion and delivered from the beautiful drum beat of his pure heartfelt persona. He is now with the angels. God bless Ronnie Kole, a great man!
Jude Swenson
September 08, 2020 | Friend
I first met Ronnie as a young teenager, introduced to him by my father, Earl Duffy, who was General Manager of the Royal Sonesta. Ronnie, Everett and Richard were playing in Economy Hall. The friendship between Ronnie and my dad was strong and lasted decades. As a young adult, I got to continue my friendship with Ronnie through the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival. We travelled together to the Washington Mardi Gras Ball and he played at the Sandestin...
Mark Duffy
September 06, 2020 | Fort Myers, FL
I had the wonderful pleasure of living and working in NO, 1972-1976, at the Beverly Dinner Playhouse...what a joy those days were and one of our pleasures was listening to and getting to know Ronnie and his wonderful trio, Ronnie, Dick and Everett...what an amazing musical experience they were...my husband Jonah and I would go to hear them whenever possible and they all befriended us...
at every break they would come and sit with us...being from Pennsylvania coal country we asked Ronnie...
Donna Seigfreid-Goobic
September 04, 2020 | Shickshinny, PA | Friend
I miss you Ronnie cole I saw you last year at the city audition here in SLIDELL Louisiana
Robert Strange
September 04, 2020 | Slidell, LA | Friend
