Charles "Chuck" Edward Cole

Charles “Chuck” Edward Cole, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, computer pioneer, theater advocate, traveler, sports fan, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026.

He was born on December 2, 1937, in a log cabin in Greenup, Kentucky. Chuck spent his early childhood education in a one-room schoolhouse with a dirt floor, a humble beginning that stood in remarkable contrast to the sophisticated computer technology that would later define much of his career.

At the age of 17, Chuck joined the United States Navy and served from 1954 to 1958 as a sonar operator aboard the USS Conway (DD-507), a Fletcher-class destroyer. His Navy service was an important early chapter in a life that would be marked by dedication, technical skill, and service to others. In 1959, he joined Remington Rand as the computer revolution was beginning to transform the world. He became involved with the UNIVAC I, one of the first commercially available general-purpose computers. He worked on the installation and operation of the ILLIAC IV computer system at NASA, an experience that led to employment at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). During his 30 years at LLNL, Chuck held a variety of assignments including establishing the Lab’s first computer security organization and the formation of the Computer Incident Advisory Capability (CIAC) group to respond to the rapidly growing computer security threats brought about by the Internet and increasing global connectivity.

Chuck approached life with curiosity, determination, and a wonderful sense of humor. He had a quick wit and enjoyed making people laugh. His humor was one of the ways he connected with people, and family and friends will remember not only the things he accomplished, but also the laughter that accompanied so many of their memories of him. His humor was intelligent, sometimes mischievous, and often delivered with a completely straight face. Whether among colleagues, friends, or family, those who know him well learned to listen carefully-because the funniest part of what Chuck said was not always the part they expected.

He was deeply passionate about community theater. He believed in the importance of the arts and became a dedicated advocate for the local theatre in Pleasanton, California, lobbying successfully for funding to build a new theater for the town. He took great joy in performing; having the ability to make people laugh or feel something deeply was very much a part of who he was. His love of theater remained a lifelong passion.

Chuck also loved to travel. He was fascinated by the world and treasured the opportunity to explore Europe, South America, Canada, and many parts of the United States. He embraced the experience, cultures, places, and people he encountered along the way.

He was also an enthusiastic sports fan and loved all sports, whether viewing or participating in them. He was an avid golfer for most of his life. Whether enjoying a performance, following a game, traveling to a new place, or talking with family and friends, Chuck had a genuine enthusiasm for life. He loved conversation and enjoyed being around people. He could be serious when the moment called for it, but he was rarely far from a smile or a hug.

Chuck shared 52 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Pat. Together they built a family and a life filled with love, adventure, laughter, life-long friends, and countless memories. His family knew him not simply as a man of measurable accomplishments, but as a husband and father whose personality, humor, stories, and enthusiasm became part of the fabric of family life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lillian Cole, and his brother, Robert Paul Cole.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; his children, Vicky, Debbie, Mike, and Scott; five granddaughters; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter, along with extended family and his many friends. He will be remembered for the simple things that made him Chuck: his warmth, sense of humor, and loving care for his family and friends. He left the world a better place through the lives he touched and the laughter he shared along the way.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A private family service will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, where Chuck will be laid to rest with full military honors in recognition of his honorable service in the United States Navy.