Mark Alan Cole's Obituary
Mark Alan Cole, 67, of Ashburn, Virginia passed away Sunday, February 11th, 2024. He was born February 2nd, 1957, Groundhog Day, in Royal Oak, Michigan and grew up in the suburbs of Detroit on 14mile road. He moved to Virginia in 1976 with his family after living briefly in Flagstaff, Arizona where he completed his high school diploma at Coconino High School. He attended Virginia Tech University Business School and George Mason University where he graduated with a BA in Public Administration and lived in Northern Virginia for the duration of his life. Mark is survived by his daughter, Stacy Lynn Cole Davolt, his son, Steven Patrick Cole, daughter's husband, Scott Davolt, and three grandchildren Chase Patrick Cole, Brixton Cole Davolt, and Easton James Davolt, his mother Grace Cole, his two brothers and their wives Chris and Christine Cole, Eric and Veronica Cole, nephew Bryan Cole, niece Megan and her husband Mark Navarro and their three children Jack, Murphy, and Noah, and nephew Sean Cole and wife Erica and their two children Kingsly and Wesly. He is preceded in death by his father John Cole and his niece Jaclyn Cole.
Mark had a huge personality, voice, and a sense of humor that no one could ever replicate. He could make anyone laugh with his quick and imaginative wit. If you saw Mark at a family gathering or party, everyone would remember him years later and laugh like it just happened. He was a true family man and friend in the best sense of the word. If you were lucky enough to be close with him, you knew you were loved, protected, and had a friend for life.
Mark’s daughter and son were his pride and joy and his utmost first priority. He was always there for them from family dinners to life’s major events and he made sure they always knew how much he loved them.
Mark loved taking annual family trips to Ocean City, MD where he enjoyed playing miniature golf, go-karting and relaxing on the beach, but most important to him was making cherished family memories together.
Mark had a passion for golf, and he enjoyed teaching his son how to play at a young age. The two enjoyed many rounds of golf together through the decades as they bonded and shared laughs.
When his grandchildren came along, he was so excited to be there for every step of the way. Mark reveled in the sole title of Grandpa, a distinction stretching back three generations. He loved attending his kids and grandkids sports and activities to be there to cheer them on. He was devoted to his family most of all.
Mark worked a variety of jobs in electronics and cellular equipment sales but finally found his passion when he became a small business owner of the Potomac Mills Mall Haagen Dazs Ice Cream Shop in 2012. He undertook an extensive remodel of the store in 2014, boosted sales, and became the number one Haagen Dazs franchise in the Southeast region for several years running.
Mark was a true son of the Motor City having a passion for both American Muscle cars and Hard Rock and Roll. His first car, a 1971 Dodge Charger, was his pride and joy. Its fat tires and thrush muffler turned heads at his high school, everyone knew when Mark was coming. Before he was 20 years old, he rebuilt the engine and transmission from a 1973 455 HO Pontiac Trans Am with help from his brother Chris, Uncle Dan and Aunt Paula. In addition to driving fast cars, Mark enjoyed attending racing events and especially loved IndyCar & Formula 1 Racing. Mark also had a true ear for the best in Hard Rock and loved attending live concerts from Ted Nugent, Led Zeppelin, to Rush and so many more. But his greatest enjoyment came when he could include others with him at these events. For Mark, sharing the experience and excitement formed common bonds and memories he enjoyed as much as the events themselves.
Mark’s most favorite conversations with any of his family and friends always began with “Remember when we …….” And now, our conversations will always begin with “Remember when Mark …….”
Funeral services will be performed at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg, VA on Friday, February 23rd, at 1:30pm. A Celebration of Life to follow at Bull Run Golf Club at 4:00pm, all are welcome to attend.
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