Kevin McCole, 64, died on May 4, 2024, after bravely battling brain cancer since 2006. Born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois to Carol and Pat McCole, he graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1977, and from the University of Illinois in 1981, with a degree in finance. He worked for Amherst Associates before earning his Master of Management degree from Northwestern University. He traveled all over the U.S., working for several health care companies, selling decision-support software.
He always liked serving other people. In high school, he was involved in the Kiwanis Key Club. He served as Key Club Governor of Illinois and was also the student council president. In college, he was president of the Interfraternity Council, and a member of TKE Fraternity. Locally, he served as the Community Chest President, which became the Community Foundation. He served on the board of United Lutheran Church and as the treasurer of the River Forest Tennis Club. He loved all sports, and coached his sons in baseball. He came full circle and served in his final leadership role as the president of the River Forest-Oak Park Chapter of Kiwanis. After he could no longer serve, the local Kiwanis chapter created a scholarship in his name for high school students who demonstrate leadership skills.
He was proud of the fact that he had visited all 50 states. Now his kids are following in his footsteps, trying to visit them all. He was a good friend, and cherished his friends from high school, college, the RFTC, and the River Forest Gourmet Group.
Kevin McCole was the husband of Jane (nee Finn); the father of Christopher (Marguerite), Tim (Ellen), and Kate (Andy) Gordon; the grandfather of Maren and Gray; the brother of Patrick; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister Michelle.
A memorial service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 19 at United Lutheran Church, 409 Greenfield, Oak Park. Livestream at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83386322654 Meeting ID: 833 8632 2654
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates memorials to two programs that Kevin dearly loved: The Kevin James McCole Scholarship of the Kiwanis Club of River Forest-Oak Park Fund, managed by the OPRF Community Foundation. Please visit their website, www.oprfcf.org. And United Lutheran Church, 409 Greenfield St., Oak Park, IL 60302, where Kevin was a longtime member.
Arrangements were handled by Peterson-Bassi Chapels.