Richard Finley Cook

Richard Finley Cook, 89, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on October 28, 2023. Richard, known for his generous spirit, pride in his family, and unwavering faith, will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Richard was born on December 24, 1933, in Charleston, West Virginia, the son of Finley and Eloise Cook. Richard's loving wife, Joy, preceded him in death. Two brothers, John and Robert also preceded him in death. He is survived by his devoted children: Sue Peacock (Kelvin), Sharon Freeze (Mark), and Sally Nicholson. Richard's cherished legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Allison Peacock-Weschle (Simon), Molly Knott (Cullen), Lisa Peacock (Jon), Clara Freeze (Will), Samuel Freeze (Alex), Chloe Hammond (Daniel), and Joe Nicholson. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Eloise, Nina, Wyatt, Willow, Ava, Josie, Adelie, Hazel, and Lucy. Richard is also survived by his sister Carole Jones Findley (Richard), sister-in-law Margaret Cook, brothers-in-law Gene Yeater and Tom Yeater (Kate).

Richard pursued his educational goals, earning a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He furthered his knowledge and skills by attending Harvard Business School. He served his country in the US Army Signal Corps.

Richard began his career at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1956. He later relocated to Raleigh, NC, with Westinghouse and retired from the company (ABB) after a fulfilling career.

Richard was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Raleigh. His faith was an integral part of his life, and he served on several committees. Richard's passion for teaching led him to become a lifelong Sunday school teacher at the church.

In his free time, Richard enjoyed various hobbies, including hunting, fishing, music (especially playing the trumpet), and gardening. He found great joy in attending family events, especially those involving his children and grandchildren. Richard was also an avid traveler and cherished the moments spent with lifelong friends and family. He was a generous supporter of various charitable organizations, including nursing students at Wake Technical Community College, the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC, Meals on Wheels, Agape Kure Beach Ministries, and WV Operation Wildflower.

A Celebration of Life service for Richard will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2:00pm. The service will live stream on the church YouTube channel. (htelc.org) Prior to the service, visitation with the family will take place from 1:00-1:45 in the Pavilion. Following the service, a private interment will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joy of Nursing Endowment scholarship at Wake Technical Community College. (Send a check payable to Wake Tech Foundation with “Joy of Nursing” in memo line to Wake Tech Foundation 1901 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC 27603. If you prefer online giving: https://www.waketech.edu/wake-tech-foundation/what/donate-now then under direct my support select Other from the dropdown menu and type in “Joy of Nursing”.)

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