Gilbert Cole Jr. was born on January 20, 1956, in Cincinnati to Betty Cole and Gilbert Cole Sr. Affectionately known as “Daddy Gea,” “Coach Cole,” “Gea,” and simply “Cole,” he touched countless lives with his strength, wisdom, and unwavering love. Gilbert departed this life on February 8, 2026, at the age of 70, leaving behind aContinue Reading
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Gilbert Cole Jr. was born on January 20, 1956, in Cincinnati to Betty Cole and Gilbert Cole Sr. Affectionately known as “Daddy Gea,” “Coach Cole,” “Gea,” and simply “Cole,” he touched countless lives with his strength, wisdom, and unwavering love.
Gilbert departed this life on February 8, 2026, at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, resilience, and deep compassion that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Gilbert graduated from Colerain High School, where he distinguished himself as a standout football player and starting defensive end. He went on to continue his athletic career in semi-professional football with the Cincinnati Panthers. In recognition of his talent, leadership, and dedication to the game, he was inducted into the Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame as a defensive end and outside linebacker.
Yet Gilbert’s love for football reached far beyond his own playing days. For more than 15 years, he devoted himself to coaching the Cumminsville Bears, mentoring and shaping generations of young athletes. He formed lasting bonds with the youth he coached, often becoming a trusted father figure—offering encouragement, discipline, and heartfelt guidance not only on the field but throughout their lives, well into adulthood. To them, he wasn’t just a coach in sports; he was a coach in life.
Gilbert began his professional career with Dutch Homes Painting, where he spent many years working in housing renovations. He later devoted more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Ford Motor Plant in Sharonville, forming lifelong friendships and earning the deep respect of his colleagues.
A skilled craftsman and true “jack of all trades,” Gilbert generously shared his talents with family and friends, assisting with countless home repairs and improvement projects. He also partnered with his brother, Donald Banks, to rehabilitate historic properties on Liberty Hill in Over-the-Rhine. Their restoration work was registered with the Miami Purchasing Department in Washington, DC, reflecting the quality and significance of their efforts.
Gilbert met his beloved late wife, Mary Cole, through their shared passion for community service and uplifting young people. United by that calling, they built not only a life together but a mission centered on compassion and service.
Together, they opened their hearts and home as devoted foster parents, serving high-risk youth through Hamilton County Child Welfare Services. Their home became a refuge—a place of safety, stability, structure, and unconditional love. For every child who walked through their doors, Gilbert and Mary offered not just shelter, but hope, guidance, and the reassurance that they mattered.
Family meant everything to Gilbert. Each year, he faithfully set aside money in a special Christmas account to ensure that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren experienced the true joy of the holiday season. He would personally drive throughout Cincinnati delivering gifts and offering financial support, making sure every child felt remembered, valued, and deeply loved.
Gilbert was more than a father to his own children—he was a father figure to many in the community, which is how he earned the cherished name “Daddy Gea.” He possessed a rare and beautiful gift for uplifting others, speaking life and encouragement into them, and always knowing just the right words to say at just the right time.
Gilbert Cole Jr. was a devoted father to all of his children, loving each of them wholeheartedly and guiding them with strength, patience, and unwavering support. He poured his time, energy, and heart into their upbringing, embracing fatherhood with steadfast commitment and ensuring they were always nurtured, protected, and deeply loved.
In later years, he continued that same legacy of devotion by raising his three eldest grandchildren. Once again, he stepped into the role of provider, protector, and guiding presence—offering wisdom, structure, and unconditional love. Through every season of life, Gilbert remained a constant source of strength and stability for his family, a pillar they could always depend on.
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4 trees were planted in memory of Gilbert Cole
left a message on February 20, 2026:
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Gilbert Cole by Anonymous. Send Flowers
left a message on February 20, 2026:
Dear Latrice and Family, so sorry for your loss. May God keep and comfort you in this difficult time. God Bless.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Gilbert Cole . Plant a Tree
left a message on February 20, 2026:
How do you express what he simply shared with a hug. Continue to hug and love openly.
Peaceful Expressions was purchased for the family of Gilbert Cole by Jr and Jessica Banks and family. "Maxine, Jema and Greg". Send Flowers
left a message on February 20, 2026:
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.
Designer's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Gilbert Cole by Tanya Lucas and family. Send Flowers
left a message on February 19, 2026:
With deepest sympathy; sending our thoughts and prayers.
Sunny Memories was purchased for the family of Gilbert Cole by Friends of Children and Families. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
left a message on February 18, 2026:
Marty, our sincere condolences to you and your family, Love your Classical Roots Choir Family
Peaceful Condolences was purchased for the family of Gilbert Cole by Classical Roots Choir. Send Flowers
left a message on February 14, 2026:
Sending condolences to the family of Gilbert Cole. MAY GOD GIVE YOU ALL PEACE AND COMFORT during this time of bereavement.
left a message on February 14, 2026:
So sorry to learn about your loss. A good friend of Larry. My deepest condolences 🙏
.
left a message on February 13, 2026:
My Sincere Prayers, Love & Condolences to the Cole Family...
I am the Best Friend of, the Late Kathy Cole
Thompson, Hall and Jordan Funeral Home
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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left a message on February 20, 2026:
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Gilbert Cole by Anonymous. Send Flowers
left a message on February 20, 2026:
Dear Latrice and Family, so sorry for your loss. May God keep and comfort you in this difficult time. God Bless.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Gilbert Cole . Plant a Tree
left a message on February 20, 2026:
How do you express what he simply shared with a hug. Continue to hug and love openly.
Peaceful Expressions was purchased for the family of Gilbert Cole by Jr and Jessica Banks and family. "Maxine, Jema and Greg". Send Flowers
left a message on February 20, 2026:
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time.
Designer's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Gilbert Cole by Tanya Lucas and family. Send Flowers
left a message on February 19, 2026:
With deepest sympathy; sending our thoughts and prayers.
Sunny Memories was purchased for the family of Gilbert Cole by Friends of Children and Families. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
left a message on February 18, 2026:
Marty, our sincere condolences to you and your family, Love your Classical Roots Choir Family
Peaceful Condolences was purchased for the family of Gilbert Cole by Classical Roots Choir. Send Flowers
left a message on February 14, 2026:
Sending condolences to the family of Gilbert Cole. MAY GOD GIVE YOU ALL PEACE AND COMFORT during this time of bereavement.
left a message on February 14, 2026:
So sorry to learn about your loss. A good friend of Larry. My deepest condolences 🙏
.
left a message on February 13, 2026:
My Sincere Prayers, Love & Condolences to the Cole Family...
I am the Best Friend of, the Late Kathy Cole
Thompson, Hall and Jordan Funeral Home
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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