Robert Alan Cole

November 1975 – November 2021

Robert (known as Bobby to close family members) was born in Modesto, California to Arnola Medeiros and Chuck Cole. He passed away at the age of 46 after a 7 year battle with brain cancer. After graduating from Turlock High School and earning his Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Stanislaus, he lived in California for most of his life, with the exception of two years spent in Oregon while he earned his Master’s in Pastoral Studies at Multnomah Biblical Seminary, and six cherished years in Georgia where he served as a Pastor at Ephesus Church. In 2006, he returned to California to continue serving in a pastoral role at Berean Baptist Church for ten years, while also sustaining full-time employment in various roles that supported people in the community including: The Stanislaus County Library, Community Services Agency, Department of Workforce Development, and The Alliance/Opportunity Stanislaus. In these positions, he was known to display his faith, humor, positivity, and willingness to serve in any way he could, resulting in a positive and lasting impact on his co-workers and the public.

Robert was a devoted, loyal, and loving man who was passionate about Jesus, his family, people, Ireland, music, the 49ers, food/drink, and his electronics being fully charged. His quick wit was unrivaled East AND West of the Mississippi!

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Dawn Cole; children, Nikki Lanier, Jacob Cole, Josiah Cole, and Kate Cole; mother and stepfather, Arnola and Richard Medeiros; father, Arvie Charles Cole; stepfather, Rick Gonzalo; siblings, Steven Cole and Anna Medeiros, aunt, uncle, many dearly loved cousins, and relatives through marriage that he loved and cared for as his own.\

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family camp we were blessed to attend for a few years that is especially for those navigating a brain tumor diagnosis: https://www.miltonmarksfamilycamp.org/make-a-gift

Funeral services will be held 1pm on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at the Redeemer Church, 820 H St, Modesto, CA 95354.

Here is the link for streaming: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.cole2

Condolences(16)

Juan says
November 11, 2021 at 10:14 pm

Rest in peace brother Robert
Alex Richmond says
November 11, 2021 at 7:05 pm

Robert, you’re one of the best people I have ever known. Even through your suffering, you were always positive and you knew and believed that God was in control. You embraced what you were given and glorified God through all of it. May your soul rest in God’s eternal peace.

My deepest sympathy to the Cole family. May you find comfort and strength from our Lord in this time of mourning.
Tyler Richardson says
November 11, 2021 at 6:38 pm

Robert was a true gem. It was an honor to work with him at Opportunity Stanislaus. Praying for his family and loved ones. I know that he’s in a much better place. The world’s loss is heaven’s gain.
Lynn Dickerson says
November 9, 2021 at 11:54 pm

I knew Robert through Modesto Rotary and liked him so much. Life is so unfair. I send my deepest condolences
Jamie Hart says
November 9, 2021 at 7:53 pm

Robert you are a remarkable human being with the greatest spirit. From being a goofy person in high school classes, to being a goofball working with me at walmart back in the day. Going to bible studies meetings at the Walkers and bumping back into you again at Opportunity Stanislaus all these years later and you were still exactly the same goofy spirited guy. It pains my heart to see you leave you leave us. I can only imagine what it must be like to see Gods face and be graced with his presence. I am honored that you were a friend and in aww of all that you did in this world to show others the love of God. God speed my friend. Dawn and the kids, all my prayers to you ~ Jamie
Tia Utke says
November 9, 2021 at 7:13 pm

Robert, Chris and Josh. The Wednesday crew. These guys share a special bond that we will always be grateful for. Robert has a great humor and wit. He would tease me just like my brother would and Josh got a kick out of seeing that! I’m so glad you all had the camp experience together and created so many special, significant memories. I remember the guys and their funny socks. The trips to Lockford for sausages. And Robert made AMAZING brown sugared bacon in the air fryer! Candy! Rest peacefully, and say hello to Josh. I know you guys probably had a big embrace, cuz that’s what Josh was known for. Peace in heart, love and wonderful memories for your family and friends who were blessed to know you.
Jeff Rowe says
November 9, 2021 at 1:11 am

Robert was a great employee and friend. He will be remembered for his faith, sense of humor, and zest for life, even during difficult times, He was simply one of the best people I have ever known. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
Wutha Seng says
November 8, 2021 at 8:57 pm

Robert, may you rest in peace. He will be greatly missed. I have such fond memories of him at Department of Workforce Development. He is loving father to his family and he occasionally brought us a lot of humorous joke and laugh during our meeting lunch time. My deepest condolences to the family. Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with Robert and know him for the short time. Sincerely yours,
Doris Foster says
November 8, 2021 at 7:48 pm

Robert will be missed by many at Workforce Development. He made a difference to those he was around. It was a honor to know him.
Ester Fierro says
November 8, 2021 at 7:38 pm

Robert, may you rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior. Always will remember when we were cubicle neighbors working for Alliance Worknet/Workforce Development, you ragging on me almost every day for my cubicle decorations, etc. My deepest condolences to the family, you will all be in my heart and prayers.
David White says
November 8, 2021 at 5:26 pm

Robert will be missed. He was always thinking about others and had a great passion for his faith, his family, his community and his friends. He was cherished during his time at the Alliance and Opportunity Stanislaus. I extend my sincere regrets and condolences to his family. Robert certainly made the world a better place.
John says
November 8, 2021 at 5:07 pm

Robert”I’ miss you already brother! You were the North Star for our brain cancer group and we will always remember your love of family, storytelling, sense of humor, spiritual guidance, willingness to share and be vulnerable Much love to you and your awesome family.
Dianne DeMarinis says
November 8, 2021 at 1:08 am

Your whole family is in our prayers daily. I am Wendy’s mom so wanted to be sure u knew who was writing u. May the strength from the Lord sustain u now and as time goes on. So sorry for your loss. The times we were with u we enjoyed his humor and wit as well. Bless u.
Cynthia Homen says
November 7, 2021 at 11:21 pm

I have such fond memories of Robert when we worked together at Stan County Workforce Development. He was always instigating laughter among his Come out-workers and always brightened our day. My condolences to his famiky
Leilani says
November 7, 2021 at 12:12 am

Love you brother, the world lost a gem. But Heaven is celebrating now. You will truly be missed.
Kathy Harris says
November 6, 2021 at 6:15 pm

Have so many great memories knowing Bobby. The fun following your high school band dates with Tim and Melanie. Many fun dinner and get togethers with your family.
Our band trip with CSU Stanislaus to France, watching you propose to the love of your life Dawn. We will forever love and miss you. Kathy and Ed

Robert Alan Cole November 1, 1975 - November 4, 2021

Condolences(16)

Juan says

Alex Richmond says

Tyler Richardson says

Lynn Dickerson says

Jamie Hart says

Tia Utke says

Jeff Rowe says

Wutha Seng says

Doris Foster says

Ester Fierro says

David White says

John says

Dianne DeMarinis says

Cynthia Homen says

Leilani says

Kathy Harris says

Leave a Condolence

Quick Links

Our Contacts