Commander Richard “Rick” Marshall Cool, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.) passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, in Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 78.

Born in Akron, Ohio, to Kay and Paul Cool, he dutifully served his country as a naval architect and environmental engineer, with degrees from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the University of Michigan. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathi Cool; his daughters, Amy (Rourke) Stay and Alicia (Gerry) Cool; his son, Nick (Laura) Cool; his sister, Pam Viland; his brother, Paul Cool; and his grandchildren, James Love, Adelle Stay, Greta Stay, Fern Stay, Marigold Cisneros, and Fiona Cool. A man of great faith, his family was his pride and joy. Rick will be remembered for his kindness and gentle nature, as well as his enthusiasm for cycling and Porsche 912s.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at a later date.