Obituary: John Cooke, 78, of Branford

Information via W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

John Cooke, a lifelong resident of Branford died on Tuesday July 4 at the Hospital of St. Raphael. He was the husband of Angela Guarnero Cooke of Branford. He was the father of Virginia Cooke (Brian) of Branford and Deborah Cooke (Christina) of Hamden.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Adrienne Wolff, Adam Wolff, and Giacomo, as well as his nieces Lynn Melchionne (Dave), Donna Bontatibus, and Gene Bontatibus Jr., and his great niece and nephew, Lauren and David.

John was born in New Haven on March 10, 1939, a son of Irving and Virginia Pinder Cooke. He was an Eagle Scout and a U.S. Navy Veteran.

He was president of the North Branford Rotary from 1975-1976. He was a member of the American Legion Post 83 in Branford where he was commander for 5 consecutive years. He was a Justice of the Peace, he served on the Branford Parade Committee, the Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Republican Town Committee for the town of Branford.

He was an avid fan of the New York Mets and UCONN Women's Basketball. A visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7 P.M. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford. Burial will be private. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post 83 in Branford, 243 North Main St. Branford, CT 06405.