Obituary of Cook Lee

Lee M. Cook, 80, of Vero Beach, FL, formerly of Killingworth, CT, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, April 14, 2011. Born December 27, 1930, the youngest son of Clarence and Alberta (Coates) Cook, Lee grew up in Madison, CT. Lee was employed by New Haven Trap Rock Quarry Co. until his first retirement in 1985. He owned and operated Cook’s Village Pub in Killingworth until his real retirement in 1996, heading then to Vero Beach where he spent his days playing golf and having lunch with his beloved wife and many friends. Lee was a member of the American Legion Post 39 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Vero Beach. He was also a lifetime member of the Westbrook Elks Lodge #1784, an achievement he proudly earned in 2010. Lee was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, the love of his life, Winnie, in 2009 and his beloved dog, Suzie. He was also predeceased by two brothers and a sister. Lee is survived by his five children, Jeff Cook of Killingworth, Linda Grenman and her husband, John, of East Hampton, Craig Cook, of New York, NY, Karen Sypher and her husband, Raymond, of Essex, and John Cook of Deep River. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Tracy, Jodi, Kelly, and Geoffrey, and eight great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by two sisters and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Lee loved his wife, was proud of his family, and was devoted to his country. He returned to Connecticut every summer to spend time with family and friends. The highlight of the trip was always the Deep River Ancient Muster. Lee enjoyed music and had a wonderful singing voice. He loved to hear and tell jokes. And he was a huge fan of the Yankees, a point of contention for several of his children and grandchildren. Lee was truly a gentleman’s gentleman, a sensitive, soft-spoken man with a kind soul. A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2011 from 5pm to 7pm at Robinson, Wright, and Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook. A celebration of Lee’s life will take place immediately following at June’s Outback Pub in Killingworth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241.