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NORWALK, Conn. John Joseph Cook Sr. of Norwalk died Sunday, Aug. 26. He was 87.
Known as "Jack" to his family and friends, he was born Nov. 20, 1924, in Morristown, N.J., to Thomas and Bridget Naughton Cook. His family moved to Norwalk when he was a toddler and he remained a Norwalk resident for the rest of his life.
Cook attended St. Mary's School, Norwalk High School and J.M. Wright Technical School. He worked for Connecticut Light & Power for 38 years, retiring in 1987. He also worked part-time at Pepperidge Farm for many years.
Service in World War II interrupted Cook's high school years a few months before graduation. Although he had completed the requirements for graduation, he was unable to walk with his class or receive his diploma. In 2003, he was able to walk with his grandson, Adam, at a Norwalk High School graduation and receive his diploma 60 years after the rest of his classmates.
During the war, Cook served in the Signal Corps throughout India and what is now Pakistan, attaining the rank of sergeant. He loved watching his children and grandchildren grow and have fun, family said.
An avid sports fan, he was proud of his son Will's lacrosse career and watching his grandsons play lacrosse and hockey. Cook and his wife, Gloria, never missed a game, even when the face-off was before sunup. Described by family as a "stoic Irishman," Cook showed a loving nature to his immediate family, giving his children special nicknames and making even mundane activities fun and memorable.
Cook was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Gloria Gilberti Cook. He is survived by a daughter, Deborah (William) Belward; two sons, John (Lisa) Cook and William Cook and his partner, Celia Hall; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was also predeceased by five brothers, Francis "Frank," Thomas, Paul, Raymond and Herbie.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Collins Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery in Norwalk.
In lieu of gifts, memorial donations may be made to Norwalk's Elderhouse..
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