ITHACA – Harold “Cookie” Douglas Cook, age 90 of Ithaca, a retired lighting technician with New York State Gas and Electric, was reunited with his beloved “Paulie” on Thursday morning (September 8, 2005) at the Hospicare residence. Mr. Cook was born January 20, 1915 in Ithaca, the son of the late Howard and Marguerite Johnson Cook.

Cookie was a member of the American Federation of Musicians, International Brotherhood of Magicians, IBEW, Brotherhood of Clowns, VFW, American Legion and a member of the Sons of the Union. He was a former Scoutmaster of the Southside Community Center Boy Scout troop. Cookie will always be remembered for his good nature, kindness and his sense of humor. “He was everything a Boy Scout should be.”

Mr. Cook played TAPS for any veteran’s funeral in Tompkins County for over 60 years. He was a swimming instructor at the YMCA for the Arthritis Foundation. He was a descendant of a founding member of St. James AME Zion Church. 

Survivors include a son, Charles Douglas (Marilyn) Cook of St. Petersburg, FL; a daughter, Jan Cook (John) Moore of Trumansburg; one granddaughter, Jamie Lynn (Jerry) Cook-Martin; three great-grandchildren, Chynna, Chaise and Charles Cook-Martin; several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Pauline E. Cook who died May 24, 2004 and his granddaughter, Patricia Marie Cook.

Friends and family may call from 2-3 p.m. Sunday (September 18, 2005) at the Herson Funeral Home. A  Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Matthew Binkewicz officiating. Memorials may be made to Hospicare and Palliative Care of Tompkins County. 

The family wishes to extend a heart filled thank you for the wonderful and caring people at Hospicare and Gracie the cat.