Donald F. Cooke, Jr.

Donald F. Cooke, Jr., 84, of Lowville, passed away peacefully on July 16 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse.

Born in Lowville on November 23, 1941, Don was the son of the late Donald F. Cooke, Sr. and Elizabeth Patricia "Pat" (Donnelly) Cooke. He attended General Martin in Glenfield and Lowville Academy, before moving to Philadelphia, NY for his last two years of high school. Don graduated from Indian River High School with the Class of 1959.

It was at Indian River that he met his wife, Brenda R. Hewitt. On August 5, 1961, Don and Brenda married at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Philadelphia, NY. Together they shared 64 years of marriage, raising their four children: the late Susan R. (Fred) Kenyon of Philadelphia, NY; Donald J. (Trish Domigan) Cooke of Groton, Massachusetts; Jana L. (Chad) Brown of Lowville, NY; and Cassandra J. (Erik) Gronowski of Lowville, NY. Don and Brenda also spent many years at their second home on Clear Lake in Plessis, NY. This home provided many years of family enjoyment on the water. Don and Brenda enjoyed spending several winters in Sarasota, Florida.

Later in life, Don and Brenda moved to Lowville to be closer to several of their seven beloved grandchildren, Austin "AJ" (Stefanie) and Lindsey Kenyon, Sydney and Brody Brown, and Erik Jr., Eli, and Emmie Gronowski. One of Don’s greatest joys in life was watching his grandchildren play sports and rehashing the games with them to offer advice. Don also had three great-grandchildren, Walden, Trey, and Adelyn Kenyon.

Don worked for 35 years for the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) in Watertown, NY, as a civil engineer. Toward the end of his career he transitioned from being a construction foreman, to the head of materials for Region 7. Following his retirement he continued working at Barrett Paving and Suit-Kote. Don was a very respected member of the DOT, and due to the many years of service, the family always marveled in the fact that they couldn’t go anywhere without someone knowing “Cookie”.

Don played many sports, but was probably most known for his fast-pitch softball days, where he was known as a threat on the mound and at the plate. He hit countless homeruns in a multitude of parks. Don also enjoyed many years of bowling and golf. He was a basketball referee for high school and Division III and was an active member of the Northern New York IAABO Chapter 59, serving on its Board of Directors. He also officiated through the Eastern College Athletic Conference for both men's and women's basketball. One of Don’s favorite things to do was to go to hunting camp at Little Pine Creek in Brantingham, NY. He was a member for over 50 years, and served as secretary-treasurer. Don loved to be in the woods and at camp spending time with his many lifelong hunting friends.

Don is also survived by his brothers, Kenneth “Corky” (Sheila) Cooke of Rochester, NY and Terry (Marina) Cooke of Ballston Spa, NY, along with several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Don's wishes, he will be cremated and no services will be held. Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.