Randy Cole of Sahuarita, Ariz., formerly of Wilton, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the age of 53.
A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 13, at the Grace United Church of Christ in Wilton. The family will greet friends following the service at a reception in the church fellowship hall until 8 p.m. A private burial will held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family and will be used to support the education of Randy’s children.
Randy Gene Cole was born July 12, 1971, in Muscatine, the son of William and Karen (Meier) Cole. He grew up in Wilton and graduated from the Wilton High School Class of 1989.
In high school, Randy was an active athlete, participating in baseball, cross country, and basketball. While he didn’t play golf during those years, it later became one of his greatest passions and lifelong pursuits.
After high school, Randy earned an associate’s degree from Muscatine Community College and later attended the University of Iowa. Though his time in college leaned more toward fun than formal studies, he never lost his curiosity or enthusiasm for life. Eventually, he moved to Arizona where he pursued a career in professional golf. He earned his PGA card and served as an assistant golf pro at Mt. View Country Club in Oro Valley, just north of Tucson. He found joy in teaching the game and connecting with players, but the seasonal nature of the job made it difficult to support a growing family.
Encouraged by his friend Jon Lilith, Randy transitioned into the insurance industry and never looked back. He founded and operated a successful American Family Insurance agency in Green Valley, Ariz., for over 20 years. His storytelling ability, business savvy, and talent for building relationships helped his agency thrive. He was deeply involved in several business networking groups in the Tucson area and had a true gift for connecting people.
On Dec. 28, 2004, Randy married Elizabeth Montoya in Tucson, Ariz. They built a life full of love and purpose, raising their children and building their dreams together.
Randy never met a stranger. He had a warm, inviting personality and an infectious sense of humor that put people at ease. He was a devoted husband, father, and son who approached life with heart, passion, and a deep love for others. Whether in business, friendship, or family, Randy made an impact everywhere he went.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Cole; and their three children: Alyssa of Oro Valley, Ariz., and Michelle and Michael at home in Sahuarita. He is also survived by his mother, Karen Cole Beatty, and stepfather, Robert Beatty of rural Wilton; as well as his stepsiblings: Matt (Wendy) Beatty, Shaun (Katie) Chaffee, Carl (Andee Sue) Beatty, and Nicole (Ray) Nebergall. He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Randy was preceded in death by his father, William Cole, who passed away in December 2003.
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