Obituary of Thomas D. Cook, Jr.

Thomas D. "Tom" Cook, Jr., 77, of Bemus Point "Point Stockholm", formerly of Jamestown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2020, in the Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA. He was born June 14, 1943, in Dunkirk, the son of the late Thomas and Esther Carlson Cook, Sr. Tom was a 1961 graduate of Jamestown High School. Tom was a proud veteran of the US Navy serving from Nov. 14, 1961 to July 18, 1966 and was aboard the USS Oriskany on the Far East Cruise. Tom was employed at Dow Craft Corp. for 43 years retiring in 2004. He considered the "shop" his second home. In his younger days, Tom set bowling pins by hand at the former Palladium Lanes and delivered the Post Journal, he could still remember the names of the customers on his route. He was an awesome Dad, a happy go lucky guy that was so full of life, he never stopped singing. "Rock on T.C. Rock-n-Roll." He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, had played on baseball and flag football leagues, and he coached his daughters Dina's softball team for many years. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing pinochle and cribbage. He and his wife, Sharon, enjoyed spending the last 20 winters in Pine Island, FL. He was a member of Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Herman Kent American Legion Post #777 Celoron for 50 years, the Celoron Moose Lodge, the War Vets Recreation Club, the VFW for 55 years, the Jamestown Vietnam Veterans Association, the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association, and was a former member of Busti Men's Association. Tom courageously fought a battle with dementia and fought and overcame alcoholism and proudly embraced his sobriety. He was active in AA for the last eight years. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sharon L. Lindahl Cook, whom he married Oct. 16, 1965; three daughters: Tammy (Don) Ernewein, Dina Cook, Barbara Hillhouse Bish; three granddaughters: Ryhan Ernewein, Olivia Engstrom, Noelle Bish; four grandsons: Benjamin and Andrew Ernewein, Demetrius and Dakota Bish; five great grandchildren; a brother Bruce A. Cook, Sr., and many nieces and nephews; a sister and brother in law Sandy and Tim Kelly; and his precious loving cat "Velvet". Tom thought of his son in law, Don, as one of his best friends, along with Roy (Bev) Holmes. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother in law Dale Lindahl and his in-laws Robert and Clydell Howe Lindahl. The family would like to thank Valerie Varner, for her many years of friendship and care, the Warren County Hospice, and the staff of the Rouse Home for their loving and compassionate care these past months. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020 at the Celoron American Legion. Friends will be received following the service at the Legion until 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Tom's family would ask that you support a local veteran's association or alzheimer's association.