Harry R. “Skip” Cook, everyone’s gentle giant and the perfect sheep dog taught his final lesson of love on January 13, 2023. Surrounded by all his girls, he was serenaded into the arms of our Lord. He is right back where he most loved to be, side by side with his wife, Barbara J Cook who passed away February 9, 2022. They are both greatly missed by their five daughters; but the girls have peace knowing they are reunited.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan on November 25, 1942 to Leone and Morris Cook. He and his brother worked tirelessly to keep his older sister and parents guessing; what ruckus would they cause next. He graduated from Muskegon High School and became an X-ray Technologist. Through those skills, he went on to become an exceptional sales man for medical technology companies. He was known for his character and quality of service to all his customers.
On November 7, 1964 he married the woman that made his heart flutter, Barbara J Puisis, at Sacred Heart Church in Muskegon Michigan. They were married for over 57 years. She was waiting at the mailbox for him.
In 1973, with babies in arm they moved to Warren, Pennsylvania. While a career path led him there, side by side with his “Chicky” they fulfilled their dreams and worked to build a community for their family and others. Together they restored 4 homes on Poplar Street to their original splendor, were actively engaged in activities at St. Joseph’s Church and modeled kindness and servitude to all he met Barb was the list maker, yet he was the provider. She was the dreamer; he was the builder. All of his girls know how to swing a hammer, stack wood and get the hard work done. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners will never be the same. He was the dressing maker, the turkey baster and the man in charge for those grand meals. Every year the list making and preparations started earlier. He could not wait for his helpers to show up. In his retirement, they worked their final project. Together they designed, created and ran the Tree House in Cooksburg, PA. It was at the Tree House that the family would gather to make piles of memories. Through the years his career shifted and grew but one thing remained the same. He was a dad to so many; he never met a stranger and all who met him, left a better person having known him. He lived and loved every day as if that was the day that he would be remembered for.
He will be profoundly missed by his five daughters and their husbands; his sons. Jennifer and Todd Boston of Warren, Emily and Jim Cunningham of Clarion, Abigail and Buddy Flerl of Wexford, Rachel and Mike Malak of Cranberry, and Gabrielle and Jeff Laswell of Franklin Park.
He was a loving Papa, the best Papa, to his 17 grandchildren; Jacob (Nichole) and Mitchell Boston; Donny, Blaise, Mercedes, Violet, and Raven Cunningham; Daphne, John, and Luke Flerl; Addy, Nate, and Owen Malak; Audrey, Dominic, Viola, and Gabe Laswell. He was blessed with 3 great grandchildren; Cam, Max and MaLeah.
He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Dr. William and Sandy Burdick of Kalamazoo Michigan. Sandy adored her little brother beyond measure.
He was predeceased by his wife and parents, his brother Michael Cook and his granddaughter Violet Cunningham.
In the last months of Skip’s life, he built a community at New Haven, Lutheran Senior Life Passavant Community in Zelienople. Through the stories he regaled of the games of Bananagrams, working the puzzles, and sharing time with friends; it was evident his heart was filled with joy. His daughters are so grateful for the grace filled friendships he made during his time there. He loved you all. The staff, that became family, surrounded him with care and gentle hands that enabled him to live life fully. We are all so blessed through your gentle, caring hearts and hands.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East Street Warren, PA on Friday January 20, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday January 21, 2023 at 11:00 am in St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. West, Warren Pa, with the Rev. Richard Tomasone, pastor, officiating. Burial will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Warren, Pa. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
Emily,I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort for all of you.
Girls and families…We are so sorry for the loss of your father. Skip was a wonderful man and will be missed. Sending our love and prayers to you all.
My heartfelt condolences to all of you. Sending prayers, hugs, love, and peace to your beautiful family.
Rachel, Mike & family, We are so very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you, grant you peace and give you strength for the difficult days ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love & hugs to all, Debbie & Ken Magni
My mother, Cathy Morrison, is not so technologically savvy. She asked that I give her most heartfelt condolences to all of you. My mother loved your parents and enjoyed so many years of friendship. I too am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a lovely man. May God give you strength at this difficult time.
Gabe and family, so very sorry for your loss. May your Dad rest in peace with his beautiful wife. You now have another guardian angel watching over your entire family. Love to all,
The Klaich’s
Gabe and family, so very sorry for your loss. May your Dad rest in peace with his beautiful wife. You now have another guardian angel watching over your entire family. Love to all,
The Klaich’s
Skip was only with us for a short time but was a great friend to all. We will miss him as we know all of you will too. He was a treasure in your lives.
Oh, the loving memories Skip and Barb Cook gave to our little family. Whether cooking spaghetti at St. Joe’s, running into each other at the grocery store or just walking thru town, they always had a caring and truly genuine greeting and smile. We missed them when they moved to Cooksburg but always knew they were exactly doing what they so loved. Rest in peace together now and know that you raised lovely, intelligent and caring girls that will carry your legacy through their lives. Girls, our prayer is that you will have strength today and the courage you need in the days ahead.
Jen and all your family I am so sorry for your loss. Though as you said he has joined your mom and that is a wonderful thing. Hugs! And My deepest Sympathy.
Our deepest sympathy to Skip and Barb’s family. Many fond memories of our time together at Warren General Hospital and St. Joseph Church. May God grant you eternal life and peace.
Frank & Honey Stroker
North Port, FL
I am so sorry for your loss. I haven’t seen him for many years but I remember how wonderful he was. I’m sure your hearts are broken. Love and peace to you all.
Girls, husbands, grandchildren, great grandchildren- you are all the legacy that Skip and Barb left to live on. They were very proud of all of you. I loved your Mom and Dad (grandparents.) They had very special, loving hearts.
I’m so sorry,
Glenda (mama G)
Jane and I would like to express our deepest condolences to the Cook family. I interviewed at Warren General Hospital in 1974. Afterwards Skip gave me a tour of Warren and it didn’t take me long to accept the job. We became close friends quickly. I enjoyed Skip and Barb’s hospitality many times around their supper table and helped them with projects. Years later we both went different directions and regretfully didn’t stay in contact. It doesn’t lessen the importance of such friendships. May God bless you as you grieve.