** UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION** Saturday, September, 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Preston Hollow Baptist Church, Rt-145, Preston Hollow, NY 12469, Pastor Reay Mahler officiating. Burial at Brookside cemetery immediatly following the service and Repast will follow burial.

PRESTON HOLLOW – Barry W. Cooke passed away on Sunday evening, August 31, 2025 after a battle with cancer.  He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family.

            Barry was born on June 28, 1946 in Preston Hollow, at the home of his parents, Harold and Hilda Winans Cooke.  He remained in Preston Hollow his entire life.  Barry graduated from Middleburgh Central School, class of 1965.  While in school, Barry met the love of his life, Sally Warner.  They were married in January of 1965 and were by each other’s side for more than 60 years.

            Barry went from graduation to work for the Town of Rensselaerville until he retired in 2001.  While working for the town, he drove truck, plow, and was appointed Deputy Superintendent of  Highways for the last half of his 30+ year career.

            Barry was very active in his community.  He was a lifelong member of the Tri-Village Volunteer Fire Company, holding the position of First Assistant Chief for more than 20 years.  He was an active member of the Preston Hollow Baptist Church all of his life.  Barry was also a driver for the Rensselaerville Ambulance for 15 years, until the service was combined into the Albany County Ambulance Service.

            Barry loved camping, and he and Sally traveled extensively throughout the Eastern states with friends.  When hunting season came, he was up bright and early to join friends or family during turkey and deer season.  Barry found great joy in helping neighbors, from moving children to helping build planters and arbors for their gardens.  All anyone had to do was call, and Barry was right there to lend a helping hand.  He loved being outdoors, and rarely sat still.  For many years, he and his son had a lawn mowing service.  After retiring, he and Sally bought a home in Belleview, Florida, where they wintered for more than 20 years.

            Barry leaves behind his devoted wife, Sally; his daughter, Mona (Paul); his sisters-in-law, Sheila Cooke and Anne Borst; many nieces and nephews; his dearest and closest friends, Brenda and Gerald Wood and their family.  He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Robert and Dwight; and his son, Barry, this past February.  Barry will be greatly missed by so many.

            Barry will be cremated privately.  A memorial service in the Preston Hollow Baptist Church, and burial of his ashes in the Brookside Cemetery, will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Preston Hollow Baptist Church or the Brookside Cemetery Association, both in Preston Hollow, NY 12469 will be appreciated.  Condolence messages may be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.

            The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Albany County Hospice Care, they were excellent in every situation, and to A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home for their compassion and care of our loved one.