Celebrating the life of my beloved brother 
Richie Cook (June 3, 1940 – June 5, 2018) 
COMPASS OF COMPASSION   
   in memory of my brother Richie Cook
   Recalling when a really rough patch was 
happening since a loved one was seriously
   ill and a final end loomed round the corner 

which would hit hard since I’d grieve this
   great loss with few who’d know how it felt
yet blessed surprise my brother’s reassuring 

support throughout my years as a widow and
   then I witnessed great courage in his final 
farewell without needing words  since he gave 

a lifetime of faith  hope and loving devotion 
   to family  friends  colleagues  community 
and prayer  an unsung hero with outstanding  

down-to-earth wisdom sprinkled with witty
   practical advice and a fantastic sense of
low-key humor so when on rough seas

which happens to most folks at times how
   blest I was as others too by my brother giving
a compass for discerning the way to navigate

towards a home harbor’s welcome while I hope
   and pray he sails happily with our ancestors 
across the heavens while watching over us . . .

I like to think that Ritchie  is now with his beloved Loretta, So lucky to have known and loved them. RIP  Pat Farrell

It is over two months since my beloved brother Richie passed, yet I think of him everyday.  He was the essence of kindness, generosity (though never bragging!), down to earth practical advice when I asked for his views.  Unconditional love was how he lived.   At crucial times in my life, Richie was there for me, not only as brother, but as dear friend.  As in the song: "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" all the lyrics embody his life.  "A man for all seasons" was Richie Cook, who lived humbly, devotedly to family and community.  He also was brilliant at math and started his own computer company.  I could go on and on about this remarkable man!  How blest I was to be his sister and friend.  May his spirit keep all who loved him company on Life's journey.

Linda & Ken Andreassen
     There are  two funny Richie  statements that I would love to share.
One  was Richie told us "When Loretta makes you a bologna sandwich,
the end result is "Hearts of  Bologna" because by the time she peels all the skin off, half of the Bologna is in the trash"!
  The other is Richie proclaimed to his six young children  "When you kids grow up, your mother and I are coming to your homes and your mother will be wearing high heels  and  we will jump from the couch to the coffee table and back and see how you all like that"!  Of course you know why he said that.  A great sense of humor!

My brother Richie Cook lived and practiced what many folks preach.  Though he never boasted about his good deeds, just believing in "being for others."  All  who knew him were touched by his loving care, listening heart, deep spirituality, devotion to his family.   What a fantastic brother, who showed me how to be daring, trust that others want to help, we just need to ask.  Growing up with him in Flatbush Brooklyn meant adventures galore for me, our brother John and all the kids on our street. He 
was mischievous, funny, a leader an inventor of games. We both graduated from Brooklyn College, his language choice Russian!  He founded his own NYC computer company and was its president/CEO.  Richie was a devoted son to our mother Betty Cook (a widow for many years.)  He phoned her every week and visited her often in California.  After my husband Joseph died, Riche became my best friend.  We spoke several times a week on the phone.  He was a natural counselor, practical and what a compassionate encouraging listener.   Remembering he would do the NYTimes crossword puzzle everyday in ink.  Brilliant and humble.  He married his high school sweetheart, Loretta Corrigan (we went to Holy Cross grade school together). And what wonderful children and grandchildren came along.   Praying for Richie's spirit crossing the threshold.  May all your loved ones, as Mom and Dad, welcome you.  Keep us company on Life's journey.  Thanking God for such a wonderful brother and for his dear family.  love always, Aunt Carolyn (Peter, Eddie, Shalini, Madeline (12), Ethan (11)

I moved to Sloatsburg in 1970.  After me the Cooks moved  two  houses up from us. I have admired many people in my lifetime but no one compares to Loretta and Richie  for the fun throughout the years. Richie, a quiet gentleman, devoted husband,father, grandfather and neighbor.  We shared our joys and heartaches and  I'm so grateful for my wonderful memories.  Even when their dog shamrock stole our shoes and hid them under the deck....Rest In Peace Rich.  Pat


On a snowy Sunday night around 1976, our doorbell rang around 11pm.  Who would be at our door at such a late hour with school and work in the morning? We opened the door to find Richie standing there all bundled up and he asked if we wanted to go sledding down Laurel Road.  Time was of the essence because the snow plow hadn’t done our road yet and sledding conditions were great!  We hastily threw on clothes and trudged up the road with our sled.  We had so much fun.  When we had enough, Mare and Mike asked us into their house for drinks and sandwiches.
We didn’t get home until 4am.
Those were the days. You will be missed.

I will never forget the canoe race we participated in together at the swim meet circa 1981.  Mr. Cook was quite the mad paddler !  We smoked everyone else and won it by a mile !!!!!

What an amazing, smart, funny, athletic, kind man!   He will be sorely missed. 

Heaven got another good one !  
RIP Mr. Cook.  

Donna A. 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Richard Stephen Cook

3 juin 1940 – 5 juin 2018

Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home

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