Philip M. Cole, 80 of Gettysburg, PA, passed away at his home on Thursday, June 5, 2025, after a long illness. He was born on January 11, 1945, the son of the late Richard M. and Catherine (Codori) Cole, and was the youngest of ten children.
Phil is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Diane Claar Cole, two daughters, Renee Tuthill of Jensen Beach, FL and Kerry Smith and her husband Ryan of Ocean Pines, MD, a grandson, Cole Tuthill, a granddaughter, Bella Tuthill both of Jensen Beach, FL, four brothers, Ken Cole of Buchanan Valley, PA, William Cole of New Oxford, PA, David Cole and his wife Henrietta of Blue Bell, PA and James Cole and his wife Ann of Gettysburg, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Patricia O’Brien, and four brothers, Robert Cole, Richard Cole, Thomas Cole, and Edwin Cole. He graduated from Delone Catholic High School in 1962.
Proud of his family’s military tradition (seven of nine sons served, one died in service), he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17. After basic training in San Diego, he was sent to Washington, D.C. to be trained as a Russian linguist, followed by technical training in Pensacola, FL. His first duty station was at Guantanamo Bay near the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was then assigned to the U.S.S. Georgetown with periodic duty at the National Security Agency. Following his service, he enrolled at Penn State University, where he earned a B.S. degree in accounting. Phil became a Licensed Battlefield Guide in 1967. He worked for Reynolds Metals Company as a regional control manager for many years.
Moving back to Gettysburg, he continued to give battlefield tours, started his own marketing business in 1981, and went on to publish fourteen Civil War books. He authored three and issued eight by other authors. Phil was a member of the Adams County Historical Society, Gettysburg American Legion Post #202, Fairfield Amvets, and the Navy Cryptologic Direct Support group. He enjoyed being with family, woodworking, watching wildlife, and the experiences of guiding. He met people from all over the world and various walks of life: students, corporate executives, military personnel, actors, musicians, composers, politicians, White House staff, and Russian embassy staff.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Gettysburg, with Fr. Michael Pray as Celebrant. Interment with full military honors provided by the Adams County Allied Veterans will follow the Mass in Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg. The family will receive friends on Monday at the church one hour prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Adams County Historical Society, 625 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Online tributes and condolences can be made at monahanfuneralhome.com