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Eugene KOLE Obituary
FR. KOLE - Eugene M. OFM, Conv. Born in Lackawanna, NY on July 21, 1947, and passed away suddenly on March 3, 2016. He was predeceased by his parents Walter and Theresa (Petroff) Kole. Friar Eugene is mourned by his Franciscan family, his sister Monica Kole, cousins, and the many individuals to whom he ministered throughout his life. He entered St. Joseph Cupertino Novitiate of the Franciscan Friars Conventual in Ellicott City, MD in August, 1965. He professed his vows on August 15, 1966 and was ordained to the priesthood in Albany, NY on May 3, 1975. His assignments after ordination found him in various educational apostolates. From 1975 to 1977 he taught at Kolbe High School, Bridgeport, CT. In 1977 he was transferred to Cardinal O'Hara High School, Tonawanda, NY where he was both Guidance Counselor and a teacher. He never feared new endeavors and so, from 1982 to 1984, he became the Headmaster at Kennedy Christian High School, Hermitage, PA. In 1984 he served as Pastor to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Bessemer, AL. He found his stride in 1985 when he became the Bridgeport (CT) Diocesan Directors of Young Adult Ministry and Director of Campus Ministry at the University of Bridgeport where he served until 1992. In the meantime, he also served from 1990 to 1992 as Director of Campus Ministry at Sacred Heart University, Bridgeport, CT. Fr. Eugene became Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education at Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA from 1992 to 1997. He also served as President of Quincy University, Quincy, IL from 1997 to 2002. After a sabbatical and doing a great deal of preaching ministry within the province from 2002 to 2004 Fr. Eugene served for a year as Executive Vice-President of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, MI. In 2005, Fr. Eugene became the Parochial Vicar at St. Paul Church in Kensington, CT. From 2006 to 2009 he served as Catholic Pastor at Pope Air Force Base in NC. He served as Pastor of the military community of Queen of Peace Catholic Community at Langley, AFB when he moved there in 2009 until Sister Death claimed him. A time of gathering will be held Friday, March 11, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi, Athol Springs. A Mass of the Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM. He is to be buried in a family plot in Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Franciscan Education Burse, 12300 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City, MD 21042. Friends are encouraged to visit wwwlakesidefuneralhome.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. Arrangements by LAKESIDE MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 716-627-2919.
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Memories and Condolences
for Eugene KOLE
Sponsored by Jay Morin.
Genevieve Hughes
July 15, 2025
Father Eugene,
I pray for you often and know that you would be proud of our family. Thinking of you always.
Love,
The Hughes Family
Rick Sifuentes
February 29, 2024
Still very sorely missed. Blessings from our Lord .
.
Genevieve Hughes
February 29, 2020
On this, the 4th anniversary of your passing, I am holding your memory close to my heart. So much was learned from you and your life. I would not be here today without your model of perseverance and strength. You were the gift I needed to have of much wisdom, sacrifice and love. May your legacy continue to live on in the hearts of others.
Robert Wagner
July 2, 2018
Father Eugene was there for me during a traumatic period in my life, placed there no doubt by God. He was a great listener and provided me advice in his no nonsense way. I remember our last conversation, where he encouraged me to perform one act of unconditional love everyday. More often than not I fail in this but I know now Fr Eugene is giving me silent encouragement and advocating for me in Heaven. I want his family to know that he made a difference in my life and I will always be grateful to him as he truly practiced what he preached.
February 1, 2018
I knew Father Eugene from his Sacred Heart University days and found him to be one of the most influential people in my life. He had an effervescent spirit and touched many lives both at the our college and within my town of Fairfield where he preached. His homilies were always thoughtful and moving and his life exemplified the potential we all have within us. I am in my 40's and I plan on pursuing the Diaconate which I can directly attribute to his influence upon my life. I will miss you Gene and hope to make you proud.
-David Milford CT
Jay Morin
October 20, 2016
Father Eugene, you will be missed by every young student you inspired to be the best that they could be. You touched so many lives over the years. Everyone loved you. I'm 55 now and still remember meeting you when I was 12 when you worked at St. Johns Church in Rensselaer, NY while you were staying (and taking courses) at St. Anthony-on-the-Hudson. You taught the confirmation class there. I was one of your students. If you knew Father Eugene when he was younger you knew that he walked with an incredible pace... very hard to keep up with him. His whole like was like that. He couldn't get enough of life it seemed. I don't know anyone who had a better work ethic. He just kept going and going and going. Boundless energy. He meant a lot to my family. I watched him become a priest. He invited me to his ordination. His book "The Begger on the Road" is very inspirational. Read it. It should be mandatory reading for all Jr. High students and then again as a senior in High School. It will shape your life. Such a simple concept. Be humble, smile, enjoy people, life is not about money or status... it's about who you love and who loves you. How do you walk that path. An inspiration to everyone. I don't speak of this to anyone I know... but I give every month to St. Jude's Children's hospital because of my relationship with Father Eugene and the way he helped shaped my life as a young man. I loved having you as a friend I could look up to. You were a very special person. You will be missed by so many. My family will miss you very much. You meant a lot to all of us.
Greg Kedge
April 13, 2016
As a HS student in '77, Fr. Eugene was (H)Euge. He entered my life at my most vulnerable when all of family life was broken. I will never know why he worked so on my behalf, from hours of counsel to getting me into my 1st college (AWAY from home). He was there for me when relationships failed in my 20's, there to preside over my marriage; even in the topsie-turvy world of being a 'provider' to my family, he was there... every time I was in desperate need.
As my life stabilized/matured, and my desire to be responsible for myself caused a classic drift away from this Saint that did so very much for me, and by extension, my family. I am so very sad, but I'll say it as loud as I can, too late: Thank You! You were the epitome of grace, you were the only embodiment of my understanding of 'Christ-like' among the all-too-human religious. Frankly, no clergy would or could ever compare; it wasn't even fair.
To the armed services: though Fr. Eugene had an incredibly rich history of experience prior to coming to the armed services I can share with you that it was Fr. Eugene's immense satisfaction to serve you. It was a long held interest to address the needs of our armed service that was satisfied both at Pope and Langely. He treasured your trust to let him help you.
Anne Helser
March 23, 2016
Father Eugene helped my son during a very challenging time in his life. He had the patience and insight on how to reach my son and guide him. He will be missed tremendously by the Langley church community. My prayers are for his family.
Anne Helser (Hampton, VA)
Greg Barthol
March 10, 2016
Fr Eugene helped considerably my Sr year at Cardinal O'Hara HS... helping me through my mother's passing.. God blessed me with his guidance, wisdom and compassion. Thank You Lord for blessing me with this kind soul!
Jack Niziurski
March 9, 2016
my deepest condolences to the Kolodziej and Petrov families as well as to the Franciscan Community. There are many childhood memories from being neighbors and friends with Friar Gene. May he have eternal comfort and PEACE
Jim Kershasky
March 8, 2016
Father Eugene and I had a great relationship in him being my confessor and counselor. I admired his authenticity and dedication to the priesthood. I was always amazed at his ability to deliver his homily without referring to any notes. I have a special place in my heart for Franciscans as Father was and all my grade and high school teachers were. You now have your heavenly reward, Father. Keep praying for me.
Genevieve Hughes
March 7, 2016
God places people in your path because He knows what you need....so much to be grateful for in having Father Eugene in mine...he has etched a permanent place in my heart.
Kevin St Mary
March 7, 2016
I loved his delivery connecting true anecdotes, famous quotes, and spiritual and uplifting stories to the Gospel readings. God Bless Fr. Eugene. May he rest in peace.
Rob Haroth
March 7, 2016
I can honestly say Fr. Eugene saved my life. At a time in my life when I was derailed both emotionally and spiritually, he reached out his hand to help me get back on track. My life is so much more than it would have been had I not had him in my life. Thanks for what you did for me Eugene...I won't ever forget it!
Kyle Kasten
March 7, 2016
A great spiritual leader and man. I always looked forward to his stories and the way they were tied into the daily readings and current events. No doubt he is spending eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Lola McGourty
March 7, 2016
At each homily he offered a nugget of wisdom, often citing spiritual writers. This left me scrambling to track down the source. I have enriched both my library and my understanding thanks to Father Eugene.
Frank Sokolowski
March 6, 2016
Father Eugene always inspired me with his remarkably inspiring sermons. It was a blessing that he shared his deep knowledge of the Bible and his Catholic faith with our community and made every mass a joy.
Cherri Wheeler
March 6, 2016
Fr Kole began serving the Air Force at Pope Air Force when I was the Wing Chaplain. He was an awesome pastor to his Catholic parish and every Airmen who crossed his path. His sermons were always well polished and spot on for challenging those who heard them to know and serve Christ. Many a Sunday, I would slip into Mass to hear his homily. I still count the process we used to call Fr Kole to Pope as one of the most spiritual journeys I took in my 31 years as a chaplain. I counted him as a brother in Christ, colleague and friend! He will be sorely missed at Langley and the Air Force. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Find rest in the loving arms of our Lord!
Ann DeLong
March 6, 2016
I will miss your enthusiasm for all things new and your optimism revealed each Sunday.
Michael & Susan Lambert
March 6, 2016
We enjoyed and learned from Fr. Eugene's heartfelt homilies, caring disposition, and friendly advice. He always had an annecdote, sometimes two or three, he would share with us to reinforce a point he wanted to make. My personal favorite being the starfish on the beach. Thank you for all you did for our parish family and the Lambert family as well. We well miss you. May your soul rest in peace.
Lola McGourry
March 6, 2016
A growing friendship was ended all too soon. He helped me find my voice as a Lector.
Rick Sifuentes
March 6, 2016
Only God knows when to bring his children home. Thank you so much and know that you were very much needed and appreciated. I hold very fond memories of you and all the work you did in our behalf. Your presence in our parish will always be treasured.
With God's blessings and everlasting loves. Rick Sifuentes
George Krakowski
March 6, 2016
Rest in peace. Thanks for all you have done for the Langley AFB Catholic Parish.
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