Julian Charles Cole, 79
There are not enough words to describe Julian Cole, so it may be best to choose the one that comes closest — polymath. Julian was a mathematician (doctorate from the University of Sussex in 1976, with dissertation in category theory), a computer professional, a folk dancer, a musician (cello, fiddle, viols, recorders, voice), and an avid student of natural science, medicine, history, folklore, and mythology. There was very little that did not interest him, and he enthusiastically pursued everything that did.
The title of Julian’s major contribution to mathematics 55 years ago is “The Bicategory of Topoi and Spectra,” available at tac.mta.ca/tac/reprints/articles/25/tr25.pdf.
And there’s more. There is a very high-level community of mathematical physicists called “nLab,” where people discuss topics of importance. So, it turns out that exactly five years ago they discussed Julian’s results in their “nLab.” Online search “Cole nLab.” The AI summary is helpful.
Julian was born October 19, 1946, in Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, to Philip Jack Cole and Pansy Eve Hopkins. Their family of three children was shaped by post-war England, all things French (which Philip taught to high school boys), and the untimely death of Julian’s sister, Ursula (genetic high cholesterol). Julian immigrated to the United States in 1976 to assume a junior faculty position in the mathematics department at the University of Pennsylvania. After two years there and two years at Union College in Schenectady, New York, he became disenchanted with academia. His field had become narrower, and he had no one to talk to. He was lonely. So, Julian moved to the Boston area, learned to program, and spent the rest of his working life in the computer industry. Among his many companies were Computer Vision, Jarg, OmniViz, and Harvard Medical School’s Firefly.
Between Julian’s cello life in high school (primarily at Dartington Hall) and again since 2010, Julian spent decades in the world of early music. He could play recorders before he learned to read English, and he could play any stringed instrument put into his hands. Viols were his gift. A favorite memory of his was the summer at Pinewoods Music and Dance Camp when he created an Elizabethan tour through the camp with all the costumes, music, and proclamations that he could research and direct. Julian loved bringing people together for celebration, including playing or dancing for his longsword team of 30 years.
A man acquainted with words and their etymology, Julian adored literature — something he greatly bonded over with his wife, Jennifer, and stepdaughter, Katalina. Julian was an enthusiastic supporter of Katalina’s writing, reading everything from school essays to short stories. He encouraged her until she achieved her dream of becoming a published author. His loving cheerleading was a crucial part of what helped Katalina become a professional writer, and his words on her work will be deeply missed. The day before he died, Katalina read him the first chapter of her current manuscript, and it lit him up for the first time in months. It’s a memory she will cherish forever.
After his retirement in 2017, Julian spent the rest of his life eagerly supporting his wife and pursuing his passions — particularly music. He dedicated his time to singing and playing string quartets with dear friends, as well as his brother, Paul. Julian and Paul had great times playing cello and violin duets, rejoicing in a powerful shared language.
Julian played music until the very end of his life, performing with his cello ensemble at his assisted-living facility. Even to his newest friends, Julian was known as someone who brought music wherever he went. It is safe to say that everyone who was fortunate enough to know Julian has rejoiced in his knowledge, his antic wit, and his ability to pierce through noise to the essence of an issue. He was a man who was incapable of holding a boring conversation and who brought spark to every encounter.
On March 16, 2026, Julian died (at age 79) of pancreatic cancer, the same disease that took his mother almost 50 years ago. He leaves behind him his wife the Rev. Jennifer Beal; his stepdaughter Katalina Gamarra (and Jimmy); his brother Paul (and Eileen); his nephew Neal; his former wife Christine Rua with whom he loved traveling the globe; a vast circle of friends and musical collaborators; and a world that has been impoverished by his departure.
All are invited to a service of word, music, and dance on Sunday, April 12, at 3 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Acton (livestreaming at trinityconcord.org).
Contributions honoring Julian may be made to Greenpeace, Pinewoods Dance Camp, Associated Chamber Music Players, or Acton Chorus.
Arrangements are under the care of Acton Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Acton. To share a memory or offer a condolence, visit concordfuneral.com.
