Obituaries

Thomas (Tom) H. Cook, Jr., a proud lifelong West Scranton resident, passed away Wednesday at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, after an illness. He was 85 years old. His beloved wife, Barbara (Coval) Cook, survives. Wed on September 21, 1957, the couple celebrated 65 years of marriage.
Born on October 20, 1937, and son of the late Thomas H., Sr., and Josephine (Arcuri) Cook, Tom was educated at West Scranton High School. A skilled tradesman with a tireless work ethic, he would ultimately retire from Owens-Illinois as an inspector. A devoted Roman Catholic, he was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Church in West Scranton.
Tom was a meticulous artisan and talented woodworker, capable of crafting just about anything. He was a gentle, humble and hard working man who held his family atop his priority list. He lived for his loved ones and simply enjoyed life.
His kind-hearted nature was obvious and he would always choose a life experience over material things. As much as he loved his family, he especially adored his best bud and sidekick, his grandson Ryan. Tom was proud of playing an instrumental role in raising Ryan and he found great peace in watching his grandson turn out to be the amazing person he has become.
A fixture at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, Tom’s happy place was the park and he selflessly volunteered to help with park maintenance. His dry wit was unforgettable and he always had a joke or story on standby. Tom’s legacy will long live on through the three generations of his family left behind. He will never be forgotten.
He is also survived by his loving daughters, Suzanne Fletcher and Sandra Byron; grandson who adored his “pop”, Ryan Fletcher and wife Mariah; great-granddaughter, Mariana Louise; brothers, James Cook and wife Marti and Patrick Cook and wife Elli; and nieces and nephews.
Sons-in-law, William Fletcher and Michael Byron, preceded Tom in death.
His family would like to acknowledge and thank both Drs. Kenneth Sebastianelli and Samir Pancholy and their amazing staff for their collective kindness and compassionate care throughout Tom’s illness.
Funeral services will begin on Tuesday at 9:00 AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 N. Main Street in Old Forge, with a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, Pastor. Burial will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery. Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday between 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.