Gary R. Cooke

OGDENSBURG-A Mass of Christian Burial for Gary R. Cooke, 67, of Ogdensburg will be held on Monday, November 20th, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Church with Rev. F. James Shurtleff as celebrant.  Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 19th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the LaRue & Pitcher Funeral Home.   Entombment will be held at Foxwood Memorial Park at a later date.  

Mr. Cooke died on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Emergency Room.

Arrangements are under the direction of LaRue & Pitcher Funeral Home, Ogdensburg.

Gary R. Cooke was born on November 16, 1949 in Ogdensburg, NY.  He was the son of the late Norman and Mary (Barnes) Cooke.   He was a 1970 graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy and worked as a laborer for Diamond National.  He was a member of the AMVETS, a former member of the Moose Lodge. Gary was active in many sports for years, he helped with the Kid’s Pool League and was an excellent pool player himself, playing in pool leagues.  He worked the Bingo at Notre Dame School.  He played basketball at Madill School in his younger years.  He was an avid baseball player, he bowled, played Slow Pitch, he loved to cook for everyone and everyone loved his cooking.  Gary was always there for everyone.  Most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his companion of thirty years, Judy Skamperle of Ogdensburg, his daughters; Catherine Cooke of Ogdensburg, Miranda(Robert) Bango of Dekalb and Amy Cooke of Ogdensburg, his sons; Christopher (Danielle) Cooke of Lisbon and Phillip Rolfe and his fiance’ Sabrina Charleston of Rensselaer Falls.  His Grandchildren; Nikki, Courtney, Jessica, Ashley, Kursten, Karmen, Seth, Nicholas, Brayden and Conner survive him as well as two great grandchildren; Jackson and James.   He is survived by his brother Arthur Cooke and his wife Sandy of Manchester, NY and his lifelong friend Wayne L. Washburn of Ogdensburg.

He was predeceased by his son; Norman Cooke, his granddaughters; Emma and Lea and great grandchild Ollie.   His brothers; Joseph, Anthony, Norman, Douglas and Donald Cooke all predeceased him.

Donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society 6725 Lyons St. East Syracuse, NY 13057, The American Heart Association 2 South Clinton St. # 305 Syracuse, NY 13202 or to the Ronald McDonald House 1100 East Genesee St. Syracuse, NY 13210.

Online condolences may be made at www.LaRuePitcher.com.