Obituary of Joseph E. Cook

Our loving father, Joseph E. Cook, 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 23 at 10:40 PM, at Ideal Rehab, with his daughters Gretchen and Michelle by his side. He was predeceased by his loving wife Dorothy and his daughter Pamela, and his dear family/friend/neighbor Bob Riegal and his loving Maltese, Chanel. He is survived by his daughters and son in laws Patty and Randy Novak, Ames, IA, Jennifer and John Namyak, Apollo Beach, FL, Gretchen Voorhees and Chris Edwin, Endwell, and Michelle and Allen Cerutti, Endicott. His 9 grandchildren Jennifer and Andrew Novak, Tyler (Stephanie) and Alexis (Kurt) Namyak, Davy (Jackie), Karlee (Dylan), Jess (Jay) Voorhees, Mikey (Olivia) and Meredith Roma, and his only great-grandson, Karson. His family Suzann Egan-Powell and Debbie Riegal, and his dear friend Judith Waples and his dear cousin Jim (Val) Cook. He was a member of the Union Presbyterian Church. Retired from IBM Corp Endicott and a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club. He served in the US Air Force stationed in Germany. Joe loved cooking and gardening. He was especially proud of his garden which was toured by the local garden club. He loved taking care of his many friends and neighbors, mowing their lawns, shoveling driveways, taking them grocery shopping, and other various errands he would do for them without hesitation. Special thanks to the many staff of Ideal Assisted Living Center, Wilson Hospital, and Ideal Rehab for their compassionate and loving care that they gave to our father over the last few years. Special thanks to Sue, who would come in before her shift started to spend time with him during the lonely months of Covid. She continued her visits until her retirement. The family will receive friends Thursday at 10:00 am at Union Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Main St. Endicott, until the time of service at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Vestal Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his memory to Mercy House.