Tribute to Ronnie Kole
This website will become a tribute to the late Ronnie Kole, a place where his fans can come for information and to share stories. It is currently under construction, so please bookmark it and come back at a later date when it’s fully operational.
Obituary
Ronnie Jerome Kole of Slidell, LA passed away at his residence on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at the age of 89 years. An internationally known New Orleans Jazz pianist and well known philanthropist who had a flair for life and his music. A well respected jazz icon, he was known for his unique persona and elegant piano playing style. Kole’s key influencers were other well known greats, such as Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, Al Hirt and Pete Fountain. Some of his legacies include:
- Induction into The Louisiana Hall of Fame 2012, Legends Park
- Performance for Pope John Paul II at the Papal Mass in New Orleans
- Founding member of French Quarter Festival
- Performance for six former presidents
- Sugar Bowl President
- Co-founder of Jazz on the Bayou
- President of the World Trade Center.
Ronnie has helped raised millions of dollars over the years, furthering the work of such organizations as Easter Seals, S.T.A.R.C and Slidell Cultural Arts, as well as others.
Ronnie was a man of great character and undeniable wit, full of life and determination. Kole was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a friend to many who will be forever loved and missed. Preceded in death by first wife, Violet Shafer Kole, second wife, Gardner Morrow Schneider Kole, his parents, Vincent Kuhn and Betty Michaels Kuhn, a son, James F. Kuhn and a grandson, Joshua Kuhn. He was survived by his children, Sandra Kole Bernos (Larry), Poplarville, MS., Rhonda Kole Glassmeyer (Kenny), Slidell, LA., Ronnie Kole, Jr. (JoAnn), Lafayette, LA., Bobbie Kole Ballero (Louis), New Orleans, LA., James V. Kuhn (Kim), Decatur, IL., his step children, Pete Schneider (Elizabeth), Slidell, LA., Chris Schneider (Sharon), Slidell, LA., Doree Schneider Donovan (Michael), Slidell, LA., a brother, Jerry Kuhn (Chris), Ft. Myers, Fl., a sister, Lucille Weingartner, Wheaton Il., his grandchildren, Russell Viola, Jr., David Viola, Nikole Viola Billiot, Russell Bernos, William Murfin, Kory Kole, Stephen Kole, Daniel Kole, Shannon Mouton Cuveas, Michael Mouton, Jr., Geoffrey Ballero, Lauren Ballero Roth, Michael Ballero, Kristin Williams, and 18 great-grandchildren.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Visitation on Wednesday evening, September 2, 2020 at the Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, LA, 70461, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 regulations, those who are attending, we ask that you wear a mask and adhere to social distancing. The funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following charities: Easter Seals, St Tammany STARC or Slidell Cultural Arts, preferred. Please visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook. Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.Published by The Times-Picayune from Aug. 29 to Aug. 30, 2020.