Captain Thomas T. Cole, a consummate pilot, sailor, and decorated veteran died March 22 in Mount Dora at the age of 84. The son of Thomas T. and Margaret Cole of Ashville, NC, he indulged his love of flying and at the age of 15, earned his pilot's license before learning to drive.

An honors graduate of Asheville High School's Class of 1949, he attended Duke University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and went on to earn a Master of Science in Physics.

He parlayed his passion for flying into a distinguished naval career, serving in various positions including instructor at the US Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, pilot in Antisubmarine Warfare Squadrons VS-36, HS-6 and also All Weather Attack Squadron VA (AW) 33. He flew aircraft carrier missions from the USS Kearsarge during the early years of the Vietnam War.

This handsome, athletic officer impressed his future wife by flying her across the Great Smokey Mountains to meet his parents. With a quick wit and a wry sense of humor, he cultivated dozens of hobbies including astronomy and ham radio, experimental aircrafts, and hiking local trail with his beloved dogs.

Capt. Cole was also an associate at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, project officer in the Operational Test and Evaluation Force, and Commanding Officer of the Navy Space Systems Activity. He served as Executive Officer of the Naval Oceanographic Office and Commanding Officer of Navy Space Projects Activity, and systems engineer at the Defense Communications Agency.

His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

After his retirement from the Navy in 1984 he worked as a consultant to the Department of State. He continued his love of flying in the Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association as a glider and tow pilot.

Capt. Cole and his wife of 57 years, Doris, made their home in Mount Dora and in Gettysburg. As a member of the Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club, Tom was a bowler and umpire, and the piano player. They were also active members of the Mount Dora Yacht Club. Sailing was a passion, and together Tom and Doris enjoyed many nautical adventures.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, daughters, Susan Simmons of Delray Beach, FL, Carolyn Cole of Brooklyn, NY, and grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Justin Saval of Baltimore, MD.

Captain Cole will be buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery.