Lensey Allen (Al) Cole

WILMINGTON - Lensey Allen (Al) Cole, 58, died June 5 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Bennington on June 6, 1963, to Lensey (Buzz) and Jean Pelletier Cole. Mr. Cole grew up on Stowe Hill at the family home, Misty Mountain Lodge.  His father’s love for music was passed on to Al and he became a talented pianist.  
Mr. Cole left Vermont and traveled to Colorado, where his daughter Shannon was born.  He later returned, working various jobs in the Burlington and Wilmington and Dover area, including The Deerfield Valley News as an account manager, and later as co-owner of Vern’s Fish Fry in Bennington.  He shared his musical talent with friends and family, often playing at weddings and other social events.  Almost every holiday season, he could be found at Memorial Hall, performing with many other local musicians for  the annual Deerfield Valley Food Pantry benefit.
On June 11, 2005, Mr. Cole married the love of his life, Meredith Ringler, and settled in Bennington. They later left Vermont. for Highlands Ranch, CO, where he was able to demonstrate his passion for creative and innovative food preparation as a corporate chef for VISA, but remembered his humble roots as the friendly face behind the window at Gene’s Creemee. He also found time to teach piano to many young students in the Highlands Ranch area.
Mr. Cole leaves behind his wife Meredith; daughter Shannon; grandchildren Xander, Ava, and Kingsley; stepson Michael Ringler; brothers Dana (Susan) and Matthew (Laurie); sister Rebecca (David); family friend Nicki Steel; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins across the country.
He will be remembered for his music, his culinary talent, his humor, and his love of life and family.
A celebration of Mr. Cole’s life will be held on June 29 at St. Mary’s in the Mountains in Wilmington, at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sonatina Piano Camp in Bennington.
To send personal condolences to the family visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.