John E. Cooke
Date of Passing:
It is with profound sadness that the family of John E Cooke (Johnny) announces his sudden passing into eternal life on December 21, 2021 at the age of 61. Born in East Providence on April 22, 1960 he was the son of the late John C. and Eveline (Viens) Cooke. Johnny was a 1978 graduate of East Providence High School. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he served proudly from 1978 to 1981 where he received several commendations. He has been employed by Roger Williams University since 2004 as a Maintenance Specialist in the Facilities Department.
Johnny leaves behind his adored wife Kathleen (Katy) Clancy Cooke, to whom he was married for 33 adventurous years and their cherished children Victoria Lynn Pennacchia and her husband Paul of East Providence and Courtney Rose Cooke of Providence. He was also the loving Grandpa to three granddaughters, Noelle, Madeline and Amelia Pennacchia. He will be greatly missed by Buddy and Holly, his devoted cockapoos. Johnny is also survived by his loving niece, Julie Dutra of East Providence and her 2 sons. Additionally he leaves his affectionate “Clancy in-law” clan of 12 brothers/sisters in-law, 15 nieces and nephews, and 14 great nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Cathy Cooke.
Johnny’s passion was cooking and grilling for his family and friends. He never met a recipe he didn’t like and he loved to experiment with food. His specialty, “Johnny’s Calzones”, were a staple at every family gathering, where they were always highly anticipated and enjoyed. He also loved doing specialty pizza’s nights for his girls and their friends. He enjoyed all things rock and roll and one of his deepest regrets was when WBRU left the airwaves.
Underneath it all, Johnny was a kind and gentle soul. He will be remembered as a fiercely loyal Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Son, Brother, Uncle, and Friend to all who he cherished. He was happy to have been given the gift of life and he so enjoyed the ride. In Johnny’s memory pour yourself a shot of Yukon Jack and toast the memory of a special guy, a true free spirit.
His Funeral will be held on Thursday December 30, 2021 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:45 with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 10 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Johnny’s memory to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Avenue Providence, RI 02907 would be deeply appreciated.
Katy,
I just heard from MarySue about your loss and want to express my condolences. I know the pain of sudden loss but know too the grace of God. He will give you the strength to get through the future. He has promised to provide for all your needs and to always be with you. May you find joy in your daughters and granddaughters and in precious memories of your years together.
My sincere condolences and sympathy to the entire Cooke family.
Katy….we are so sorry to hear about John. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find strength through the Clancy clan to help you through this very difficult time. May the memories you and John have shared help you through these tough times❤️
Love, Ted & Wendy Polak
Katy, so sorry for the loss of your husband. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Katy My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Katy, My sympathies and prayers go out to you and your family.
Ourt sincere condolences to the
Clancy family for the passing of
John.
Richard/Beverly Ferreira
and family.
Dear Katy, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your girls on your loss. You are in my prayers at this very difficult time. God bless you and your family.
Katy and family I am so sorry to learn that your dear beloved husband and father has fallen asleep in death. Hugs, love, and comfort to you and your family. Revelation 21:4 – and he will wipe out every gear from their eyes and death will be no more. Neither mourning nor outcry or pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
Our condolences for your loss. We send our prayers and support to your family at this difficult time. Semper Fi Brother!
RIP John!
Allen & Linda Winter
Kathy,Courtney,and Victoria, Charles and I send our condolences at this great loss of a husband and father.Johnny was always a gentle,soft spoken, kind soul.I am sure your dad and mom were there to greet him! LOVE & PEACE to you all!
God Bless
Ann and Charles
Katy and family so sorry for your loss. Johnny was a good guy.
We had a lot of great times together, skiing, boating and camping just to name a few. Johnny was always fun, funny and interesting. Katy, Victoria and Courtney we are very sorry and sad for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing, he was a mentor and big brother to me in my younger years. I always looked up to Johnny, he always treated me and others with great respect and a sense of humor. I always took that to heart to be like Johnny. God bless you and the your family. RJ Bibby.
Dear Katy, Victoria and Courtney,
We were so sorry to learn of your husband’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time. May he rest in peace with Our Lord.
Mark and Betsy Hubbard
Katy and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers??????
Maureen Sweeney Nolan
very sorry to hear of John’s passing. We Pray that you find peace and comfort in your memories of John, in each other, And in God’s love. Make John rest in peace.
Ken and Laurie Riccio
Dearest Katy, Victoria, and Courtney,
Our hearts go out to you and your family during this time. Many prayers and thoughts from all of us to all of you. So very sorry for your loss.
Sending lots of big hugs your way,
Foy Ann and Brad
Dear Katy:
i am so sorry for the loss of Johnny. I was stunned when I heard the news. So many memories with all of us. The one memory that stands out was when me, Paula and Johnny climbed Mount Washington and we had to keep waiting for him because he needed to have a cigarette as he was climbing the mountain. You and your family are in my prayers every day. Rest in Peace Johnny.
Dearest Cousin Katy, Victoria and Courtney,
So very sorry for your loss. Praying you will find peace in time with all the great and loving memories you have of your beloved husband/Dad. Until you meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hands with great Love ❤️ and comfort.
Sending hugs and ?
Cindy and Tim
Clancy Rodgers
I met John when he was a Baker at Heartland food warehouse in Seekonk. We hit it off as we had the same sense of humor. Always busting balls and having a good time. My memories of him all revolve around laughter. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends. RIP John.
To Katy and the Cooke family, so sorry for your loss our deepest condolences. Praying for you and your family at this very difficult time.?
My deepest sympathies to you and your family Katy.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Katy and all of Johnny’s friends and family. ???????????
Deepest sympathy and condolences to Katy and the Cooke family on the passing of John. The Roger Williams University community is also in shock and mourning the loss of a friend and a valued member of the Facilities Management team. Rest in peace John.
John from a child to adult is what we all should emulate! To steal my uncle Harry’s words “The Finest Kind”. Mike Arundale
Dearest Katy, I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but remembering you sharing stories about him. God bless
I was just heartbroken to hear about John’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing him and talking to him nearly every day. He was always so kind and went out of his way to help me whenever I needed it, and was so selfless and caring for others. He will be sorely missed.
Katy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Johnny was a great friend growing up.
RIP Johnny
Katy and family, Sending thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Dear Katy,Victoria,and Courtney,
This news seems so incomprehensible to me. I just talked to you and Johnny after not speaking for so long. To get this awful, painful news seems unreal. I am so glad that I had that urge to speak to you when I did. John told me he remembered my house when he was a little boy. That meant so much to me.
I was having dinner with my son and friends when I saw Johnny’s picture. And I thought “how nice he sent me a picture”. In the morning I saw it came from a funeral home and I cried like a baby. My heart breaks for you all. I wish I could make this easier for you. Please, if and when you would like to talk, call me. You may not feel like it for a long time . I do understand. That’s why I am not calIing you now. I pray for peace and comfort for you all. Love, Josie. 254 598 2590
Katy & family,
My deepest sympathies! I know how much Johnny was loved and will be missed by everyone who knew him! I never ate anything he cooked that wasn’t delicious! My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Love,
Kathy ❤
Katy and family: I am so sorry for your loss, I’ll never forget good memories. I bought my first house and you guys were our very first neighbors, the talks, advice and help will always be remembered. Much love.
So very sorry to hear of such a loss for you and your family. May he join the Lord at His banquet table.
Prayers sent for you all.
Take care
Betty P
Katy,
I’m thinking a of you and your family. My heart is with you.
Katy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in the beautiful memories of a life well lived.
Katy,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family and friends. Sending hugs to you.
Katy I’m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
My sincerest condolences to my dear cousin Katy and her family. Johnny was a stand-up, low-key guy who had a great love and dedication to his family and friends. His presence will be missed by all who knew him. RIP my fellow veteran. Slow deliberate hand salute….
Katy, Tim and I are so sorry for your loss and hope that the amazing memories you made with your amazing husband will carry you through, sending hugs and prayers
Lyndsey and Tim
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time . May God bless you in Jesus name ????
He is my nephews father in law, we really loved his calzones, my condolences to Katy, Victoria and Courtney, he was so nice
Love you all
Shirley and Peter