Carroll L. Cole

In Loving Memory of Carroll L. Cole

July 28, 1946 – February 12, 2026

Carroll L. Cole, 79, of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, after a long and courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

He was born on July 28, 1946, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, to the late George Albert Cole and the late Helen Belford Cole.

Carroll grew up with strong values of hard work, loyalty, and devotion to family.  He was a proud graduate of Washington High School, Class of 1964, and he carried those values with him throughout his life.

Carroll honorably served his country as a Vietnam Veteran in the United States Air Force.  His service demonstrated his quiet strength, deep sense of duty, and love for his country—qualities that defined the man he was.

He spent most of his life in Canonsburg, where he and his loving wife, Mary Beth, built a home rooted in love, stability, and devotion. Carroll was a hardworking man who believed in providing for his family and setting an example through perseverance. He was a machinist by trade for over 50 years. He began his career at Annealing Box, followed by McGraw Edison.  He retired at the age of 74 as a foreman from Trigon/FPD Company, proud of the many years he devoted to his work.

On August 24, 1991, he married the love of his life, Mary Beth Proia Cole, whose partnership and love were the center of his world.  Also left to cherish his memory are his beloved daughters: Jennifer (Tony) Bailey; Heather (Ilir) Beta; and Lauren (Matthew) Tonkovich. He was blessed with four grandchildren—Madison Taylor Bailey, Amber Nicole Bailey, Kristina Zoe Beta, and Alexander Cole Tonkovich—who brought him immeasurable pride and joy.

He was also blessed with loving siblings: Nell Kretzschmar of Lafayette, IN; Ron (Ethel) Cole of Richmond, KY; Rick (Mary) Cole of Sierra Vista, AZ; and Jackie (Craig) Barre of Martins Ferry, OH.  Surviving as well are his brothers-in-law: Rocco (Joy) Proia of Broomfield, CO; Joseph Proia of Washington, PA; and Chuck Proia of Washington, PA, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers-in-law John Kretzschmar, and Arthur, Frank, and John Proia, as well as his mother-in-law Mary Proia, with whom he and Mary Beth provided a loving home for 17 years.

Carroll’s love was steady, his presence reassuring, and his dedication unwavering. Whether through quiet guidance, a strong work ethic, or the simple comfort of being there, he shaped the lives of those around him in lasting ways.  He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a faithful friend.

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, family and friends will be received at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care in McMurray, PA, for a gathering from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  A blessing service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with full military honors.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.