Thomas Cole

1960 - 2023

Thomas "Tom" Cole, 63, was called to his heavenly home on Monday, December 25, 2023, after experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Tom was born to the late E. Joseph and Fay Cole on September 3, 1960. He was the beloved brother of Jeff (Susan) Cole and Cindy Koerner (Chip Hussey). He was a devoted husband to his wife of 18 years, the love of his life, his "Sweets", Kim. He was the proud father to Jenna Cole (James Kwit), Tara (Christopher) Nikodem, and Jonathon Cole. He had four grandchildren that were incredibly lucky to call him "Pop"; Braden, Claire, Thomas, and Emery.

Tom grew up in Arlington Heights, IL. He attended Prospect High School, where his remarkable swimming career began. He went on to win three state titles. His time in the 100 yard butterfly set a state record, which he held for 17 years.

His success in swimming brought him to Indiana University on a full scholarship. While at IU, he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and an award-winning captain of the swim team. In his senior year, he won the Big Ten Championship in the 200 yard butterfly and was named an NCAA All American. Tom graduated in 1982 with a finance degree. He then began his career as an investment banker, eventually also earning his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth Business School, all while raising three small children with his former wife Julie.

In 2021, Tom retired after a successful career of almost 40 years in banking with Deutsche Bank, HSBC, and most recently as head of Leveraged Finance at Citibank. Tom also served on the Dean's council of the Kelley School of Business at IU, as well as several non-profit boards. The list of awards and accolades Tom received is long, but worthy of special mention is the one he received most recently; in October 2023 he was inducted into the Academy of Alumni Fellows of the Kelley School.

While Tom achieved success in many aspects of his life, he found profound fulfillment in his faith and devotion to Christian ministries. Tom was one of the founders of the Manhattan chapter of New Canaan Society (NCS). He also played a vital role in NCS as a board member and ultimately as Chairman. More recently, Tom was a founding member and president of Faith in Financial Services in New York. He was an articulate and passionate speaker and mentor to many.

Above all, family was Tom's top priority and his greatest source of joy. He loved making memories with his wife, children and grandchildren. After surviving two previous heart attacks, Tom felt compelled to pour wisdom into his three children. He wrote and published a book entitled "The Narrow Gate: Fatherly Advice For Navigating the Pathway for Your Best Life." The book is an invaluable gift that memorializes a life's accumulation of wisdom, values, advice and lessons. It is a remarkable record of a life lived with purpose, faith, commitment and love.

A memorial service will be held at The Compass Church, 1551 Hobson Rd., Naperville, IL 60540, (630) 983-3232 on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11:00 am. A Celebration of Life will be held in New York City at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Tom's memory to a charity that is meaningful to you would be much appreciated.

Arrangements by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Naperville, IL.

For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com