E. Cole, Thomas

Thomas Earl Cole, 53 of 954 Honeypot Road, Candor passed away on Friday, March 14, 2003 at the Cayuga Medical Center.

Born on October 27, 1949 in Ithaca, New York, Tom was the son of Evelyn Cole of Harford and the late Norman Cole.

For the past thirteen of his thirty-one year career of public and private accounting, Tom proudly served his clients through his own accounting firm in Ithaca, Thomas E. Cole, Certified Public Accountant.

Tom was a 1967 graduate of Newfield High School and a 1971 graduate of Clarkson College of Technology earning his B.S. in Industrial Management and Accounting. He was a member of the NYS Society of Public Accountants. He served Kiwanis for many years and was a member of the West Danby Baptist Church.

Tom devoted countless hours to building his own home but found time occasionally to pursue his interests in fishing, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.

During his courageous battle with cancer this past year, he was able to share his love of travel with his wife and daughters. By sheer willpower , Tom kept up with his girls through Disney World, Paris and London. In his heart Tom hoped that the laughter and memories shared together would encourage the girls to embrace their individual journeys with passion and joy.

Tom is survived by his wife of thirty-one years, Linda Maria (Rautine), two daughters, Maria Lynn a sophomore at SUNY Oswego majoring in Spanish Education and Secondary Education who is currently studying at the University of Monterrey, Mexico in the International Exchange Program and Amy, a sophomore at Candor Central High School-an honor society student. He is also survived by a brother, Donald (Beverly) Cole of Lynchburg, VA, nephews Aaron, Kevin, Corey and niece Elise; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Arvo and Susan Rautine of Spencer and their children, Tanya (Steve) Struzinsky and Jennifer (Lance) Strasser; a great-niece Erica and a great-nephew Ty.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Spencer Federated Church, Main Street, Spencer on Saturday, March 22, 2003 at 2:00 pm with the Rev. Don Guiles and the Rev. Burton Huth officiating. Immediately following the service all in attendance are invited to share in a reception of light refreshments.

The family will also be present to receive their friends, at the church, on Saturday from noon to 2:00 pm.

Those who wish to make memorial contributions in Tom's memory are asked to consider the Tompkins County SPCA, 1640 Hanshaw Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, the Tompkins County Food Net Program, 2422 N. Triphammer Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, the Spencer Federated Church, P.O. Box 321, Spencer, NY 14883 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

For additional information please contact the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St, Trumansburg. 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director