Obituary of Laurence H. Cooke

EAST DURHAM - Laurence H. "Larry" Cooke, age 73, passed away at his residence on Friday, June 17, 2011. Born on June 20, 1937 in Preston Hollow, he was son of the late Leland and Dorothy Hallock Cooke. Larry graduated from Greenville Central School in 1955 and was class president. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962-1965. Larry was a long time dairy farmer and truck driver. He formerly operated West Winds in Preston Hollow for 11 years. Larry served as a city councilman in Watertown, NY and as commissioner of the Rutland Vol. Fire Co. in Rutland, NY. He currently was serving as Code Enforcement Officer for the towns of Greenville and Durham. Larry was a member of Preston Hollow Baptist Church, East Durham Vol. Fire Co., Tri-Village Vol. Fire Co. where he was past president, secretary and chief, Durham Valley Post 1416 American Legion, former chairman of Greene County BOCES Agricultural Advisory Committee, past president of Albany County Farm Bureau, past board member of New York Farm Bureau, former Assessment Review board member of Town of Rensselaerville, charter member of Albany County Vol. Firemen's Assn. When he had time, he enjoyed gardening and working outdoors. Larry is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Cook) Cooke; children, Suzanne Cooke Simmons (William), Cynthia Cooke Morrissey (Frank), Kevin Cooke, Curtis Cooke (Serena) and Anne-Marie Cooke (David); 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Larry was predeceased by his son Christopher in 1976, and his sister Carolyn Salisbury. A memorial service will be on Sunday, June 26 at 2:30 p.m. at the Preston Hollow Baptist Church, State Route 145, Preston Hollow. Interment of ashes will be in Saratoga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the East Durham Vol. Fire Co. or the Tri-Village Vol. Fire Co. will be appreciated. Arrangements by A.J. Cunningham Funeral Homes, Inc., Greenville, NY. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.