Lensey Allen (Al) Cole

On June 5, 2021, Lensey Allen (Al) Cole passed away after a lengthy illness. He was born in Bennington on June 6,1963 to Lensey (Buzz) and Jean Pelletier Cole. Al 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. Allen attended Deerfield Valley Elementary School and Wilmington High School. Allen left Vermont and traveled to Colorado, where his daughter, Shannon was born. He later returned to Vermont working various jobs in the Burlington and Wilmington/Dover area, Including The Deerfield Valley News as account manager and later as co-owner of Vern’s Fish Fry in Bennington. Allen shared his musical talent with friends and family, often playing at weddings and other social events. Almost every holiday season, Allen could be found at Memorial Hall, performing with many other local musicians for the annual Deerfield Valley Food Pantry benefit. On June 11, 2005, Allen married the love of his life, Meredith Ringler and settled in Bennington. They later left Vermont, for Highlands Ranch, Colorado where Allen 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. Allen also found time to teach piano to many young students in the Highlands Ranch area. Allen leaves behind his wife, Meredith, daughter Shannon, grandchildren Xander, Ava and Kingsley, stepson, Michael Ringler, brothers, Dana (Susan), Matthew (Laurie), sister Rebecca (David), family friend, Nicki Steel and many nieces, nephews and cousins across the country. Al will be remembered for his music, his culinary talent, his humor, and his love of life and family. A celebration of his life will be held on June 29, 2021 at St. Mary’s in the Mountains in Wilmington, Vermont at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sonatina Piano Camp in Bennington Covey, Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363. To send personal condolences to the family, please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.