Dr. Glen W. Cole, Jr. of 29 W. Highland Avenue, Philadelphia, passed away peacefully at his house and returned home to his Lord on the morning of August 19, 2026. Throughout his journey while here on earth, he touched, mentored, guided, and inspired countless others with his compassion, sage wisdom, love for life, and hearty laughter. His unconditional love for his family and friends was and forever will be a bedrock foundation for those of us who carry him with us.
Born to Mary Barth Cole (later Mary Piacitelli) and Dr. Glen W. Cole, Sr. on November 19, 1941, Dr. Cole lived his entire life in the Philadelphia area. He attended Norristown High and Malvern Prep before earning a bachelor’s degree at Villanova University and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Temple University. He practiced dentistry out of his office adjoining his home at 29 W. Highland Avenue from 1968 until his retirement in 2012. Dr. Cole loved practicing dentistry, both for the rigor and challenges it presented and for the lasting relationships that he developed and nurtured with patients and staff. He was known and respected – in both profession and avocation – for his confidence and competence. While not practicing dentistry or enjoying life with family and friends, he could be found flying his 1939 Aeronca Chief or working on one of his cars or motorcycles.
He met his one true love in this life, Gretchen Baer Cole (who pre-deceased him in 2007), in high school; they married in 1968 and had two sons, Michael and Chad. Above all else, Dr. Cole treasured his role as devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His leadership, mentorship, guidance, and unwavering love were the greatest gifts to his family; his ability and desire to provide comfort and support were blessings to all in his life, and particularly to his children. He will forever be remembered by his friends and family with the deepest love and gratitude.
Service and remembrance arrangements are pending and will be very private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pennsylvania SPCA at https://www.pspca.org/tribute-memorial-gifts in Glen’s memory.
Deeply spiritual, one of Dr. Cole’s last wishes was to share the following words:
“And so the journey closes. No trace of it remains, as it ends where it began, before time was in calm eternity. Not one illusion is accorded faith, and not one spot of darkness still remains to hide the face of Christ from anyone. Thy will is done, complete and perfect, and all creation recognizes You, and knows You as the only Source that is. Clear in Your likeness does the light shine forth from everything that lives and moves in You. Now we have reached where all of us are one and we are Home, where You would have us be.”
Glen was called Home on the 19th day of August in the year of our Lord 2026.
