Cook

Harry R. “Skip” Cook, everyone’s gentle giant and the perfect sheep dog taught his final lesson of love on Jan. 13, 2023. Surrounded by all of his girls, he was serenaded into the arms of our Lord. He is right back where he most loved to be, side-by-side with his wife, Barbara J. Cook, who passed away Feb. 9, 2022. They are both greatly missed by their five daughters; but the girls have peace knowing they are reunited.

He was born in Muskegon, Mich. on Nov. 25, 1942, to Leone and Morris Cook. He and his brother worked tirelessly to keep his older sister and parents guessing — what ruckus would they cause next?

He graduated from Muskegon High School and became an X-ray technologist. Through those skills, he went on to become an exceptional salesman for medical technology companies. He was known for his character and quality of service to all of his customers.

On Nov. 7, 1964, he married the woman that made his heart flutter, Barbara J. Puisis at Sacred Heart Church in Muskegon, Mich. They were married for over 57 years. She was waiting at the mailbox for him.

In 1973, with babies in arm, they moved to Warren, Pa. While a career path led him there, side-by-side with his “Chicky” they fulfilled their dreams and worked to build a community for their family and others. Together they restored four homes on Poplar Street to their original splendor, were actively engaged in activities at St. Joseph Church, and modeled kindness and servitude to all he met. Barb was the list maker, yet he was the provider. She was the dreamer; he was the builder. All of his girls know how to swing a hammer, stack wood and get the hard work done.

Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners will never be the same. He was the dressing maker, the turkey baster, and the man in charge of those grand meals. Every year the list making and preparations started earlier. He could not wait for his helpers to show up.

In his retirement, they worked their final project. Together they designed, created and ran the Tree House in Cooksburg, Pa. It was at the Tree House that the family would gather to make piles of memories.

Through the years, his career shifted and grew, but one thing remained the same. He was a dad to so many. He never met a stranger, and all who met him left a better person having known him. He lived and loved every day as if that was the day that he would be remembered for.

He will be profoundly missed by his five daughters and their husbands, his sons, Jennifer and Todd Boston of Warren, Emily and Jim Cunningham of Clarion, Abigail and Buddy Flerl of Wexford, Rachel and Mike Malak of Cranberry, and Gabrielle and Jeff Laswell of Franklin Park.

He was a loving Papa (the best Papa) to his 17 grandchildren, Jacob (Nichole) and Mitchell Boston, Donny, Blaise, Mercedes, Violet and Raven Cunningham, Daphne, John and Luke Flerl, Addy, Nate and Owen Malak, Audrey, Dominic, Viola and Gabe Laswell. He was blessed with three great-grandchildren, Cam, Max and MaLeah.

He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Dr. William and Sandy Burdick of Kalamazoo, Mich. Sandy adored her little brother beyond measure.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his brother, Michael Cook; and his granddaughter, Violet Cunningham.

In the last months of Skip’s life, he built a community at New Haven, Lutheran Senior Life Passavant Community in Zelienople. Through the stories he regaled of the games of Bananagrams, working the puzzles, and sharing time with friends, it was evident his heart was filled with joy.

His daughters are so grateful for the grace-filled friendships he made during his time there. He loved you all. The staff, who became family, surrounded him with care and gentle hands that enabled him to live life fully. We are all so blessed through your gentle, caring hearts and hands.

COOK — Friends of Harry R. “Skip” Cook, who died Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at DONALD E. LEWIS FUNERAL HOME, 304 East St., Warren, Pa.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. West, Warren, Pa, with the Rev. Richard Tomasone, pastor, officiating.

Burial will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Warren, Pa.

Please visit www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.