Military Bowl Mourns Passing of Former Chairman of the Board

The Military Bowl Foundation mourns the passing of former Chairman of the Board, U.S. Navy (retired) Rear Admiral Christopher W. Cole, who passed away on April 3. He was 77 years old.

Cole was a longtime member of the board and oversaw the Foundation growing to include not only the Military Bowl college football game, but also the DC Touchdown Club and Patriot Point. 

“Admiral Cole was an amazing person and incredible leader,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “Chris was always well-informed and conveyed his perspective with an understated demeanor. The Military Bowl Foundation is much better off as a result of his thoughtful leadership.”  

Cole’s service to the Military Bowl Foundation was a natural fit. Upon graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he served in the U.S. Navy for more than 32 years, retiring in 2004 as a Rear Admiral (O-8). 

A Naval Aviator during his career, Cole commanded two helicopter squadrons and two amphibious ships, the USS El Paso (LKA 117) and USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). As a Flag Officer, Mr. Cole was the commander of two Navy Regions, one in the Republic of Korea and one in Norfolk, Va. His final Navy assignment was as Director of Ashore Readiness for the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N46).

Cole also served as the Executive Director of the Association of the United States Navy and President of the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation, which provides direct support to wounded, ill, and injured sailors and Coast Guardsmen and their families. 

Chris is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Kathy; his three beloved daughters and cherished grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home (9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, Va.). A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at King of Kings Lutheran Church (4025 Kings Way, Fairfax, Va.). Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.