Ange M. (CIlli) Cole of Sag Harbor Dies November 4

Ange M. (Cilli) Cole of Sag Harbor died on November 4. She was 100.

She was born on September 21, 1924, in Sag Harbor. She was the daughter of Vitali and Antonina Cilli. She and her siblings were raised on their parents’ farm, Cove Side Dairy. She attended Pierson High School.

She contributed to the World War II effort by working at the Bulova factory in Sag Harbor, which at that time was producing military equipment. While working at Bulova, she met Mildred Blydenburgh, her future sister-in-law, and through her, became acquainted with her brother, Clayton M. Cole, who was serving as a U.S. Marine during the latter part of World War II. They began a correspondence while he was overseas, exchanging letters as Victory Mail partners that deepened their bond. Following his return home, they married on June 9, 1946.

She was like no other, her family said. There is a long list known as “All Things Ange,” which includes sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, fixing anything and everything with duct tape and picking up twigs from her property.

She enjoyed visiting the Morton Wildlife Refuge and anywhere she could watch sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.

She also enjoyed cooking her signature dishes, including ziti, mashed potatoes with green beans that were picked from her garden, strawberry rhubarb pie, fried pizza dough and her signature mushy but delicious meals made of leftovers.

Her life was filled with a profound love for her family, her family said, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her warmth, and unwavering spirit will be remembered and cherished by her family and friends.

She was predeceased by her son John Cole; her daughter-in-law Kathy Cole.

She is survived by her children, Robert Cole and his wife, Marjorie of Arizona; Dennis Cole of Manorville; Debbie and her husband, Jose E. De Jesus of Walden, New York; Michael Cole of Southampton; her daughter-in-law Joyce Cole of Water Mill; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Brennen Cole; Samantha Cole and her children, Maximus, Bella and Arianna Sacchetti; Jason and his wife Joey and their children, Joelle, Jasey and Jessie; Lynette and her husband, Nick Blaggrove and their children, Nico and Nickson; Cristina and her husband, Ed Gonzalez and their children, Dominic and Dante; James De Jesus; Chris Cole and his partner, Katie Rummel; Ben Cole and his husband, Max Alderman. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including her niece Betty Swanson, with whom she had a special relationship.