Arthur John Cook Jr.

On July 2, 2024, Arthur John Cook Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after bravely battling Parkinson’s Disease for over 35 years. He was the beloved husband of Lynn Carol Cook (nee Younger); devoted father of Jennifer Lynn Haller (Douglas, Sr.) and Lauren Elizabeth Alessi (Michael, Jr.); proud grandfather of Douglas C. Haller, Jr., Charlotte E. Alessi, and Madelyn M. Alessi; dear brother of Bradley S. Cook Sr. and Thomas C. Cook, Sr. and special friend to his caregiver angels Patricia L. Neblett, and Jemma M. Pope. Arthur was predeceased by his parents Arthur J. Cook, Sr. and Gloria M. Cook (nee Ancarrow), and his brother Robert S. Cook, Sr.

Arthur was born in Baltimore, Maryland and spent his childhood spending time with his brothers and getting into mischief that made for many treasured memories and stories filled with laughter. He graduated from Towson High School in 1966. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army to proudly serve our country in the Vietnam War. Upon returning from the war Arthur earned a bachelor's degree from The University of Baltimore. He later began his career as a police officer for Baltimore County where he worked for over 19 years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant. During his time in the police department, he won many accolades including Police Officer of the Year, and established programs including Toys for Tots where he led toy drives for underprivileged children to make sure they all felt worthy and loved.

Art had many hobbies including collecting baseball cards, fishing, metal detecting on the beach, coaching the sports teams of his children, playing tennis, softball, and golf, and cheering on his favorite team, the Baltimore Orioles. Art loved music, and played as a drummer with his brother, Bob, in a band called The Ethox. He spent many years educating his daughters on the qualities of good music, and making sure that his love of The Beatles and The Beach Boys were passed onto his children and grandchildren. He was a country music lover as well, and enjoyed going to concerts with his family where he was able to meet some of his favorite musicians.

He was blessed to have spent more than 25 years of summers on 64th Street in Ocean City, Maryland where he met his chosen brother Bill Allen, and many other friends who became family and stood by Art during some of the most difficult years as his health became more challenging.

Art was blessed with over 45 years of being married to the love of his life, his wife Lynn, and together they fought to make every day count and to remember the most important things in life-being with their family. Art’s greatest accomplishment was being a father to his daughters, who he supported, guided, and loved every day of their lives. His most treasured gifts from God were his grandchildren and the memories they were able to share together.

While there are no words to express how much he will be missed to his family and loved ones, we are thankful that he is able to now Rest In Peace. Art will never be forgotten by anyone who had the good fortune of meeting him and we know he was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven where his health has been restored and his ailments are no more.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Schimunek Funeral Home, Inc., 610 W. Macphail Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014, on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM for visitation with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, per Art’s wishes, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.