Jerry V. Cook

NAPLES — Jerry Victor Cook, 76, beloved husband of Desira E. (Croteau) Cook, died Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at the Androscoggin Home and Hospice Care in Auburn after suffering a major heart attack on July 17.

He was born in the old Bridgton Hospital on Main Street in Bridgton on Dec. 18, 1936, son of Rupert E. Cook and Jessie (Rose) Cook. He attended local schools and Fryeburg Academy before joining the U.S. Army in 1955 and serving in Greenland.

Jerry became a member of Local 29 Boilermaker-Blacksmiths in 1965, and became a welder, traveling to many power plants and job sites in New England.

Jerry was a proud member of the American Legion Post 155 in Naples and the Knights of Columbus Bridgton-Fryeburg Council #11376, where he served as Color Guard Commander, a position he greatly enjoyed with men he truly loved.

Besides his wife of 52 years, Jerry leaves his son Christopher Cook of Gorham; and two daughters, Kimberly Lorrain of Big Rapids, Mich., and Destiny Cook of Strong. Jerry has five grandchildren including Keegan Hornstra, Krista Cook, Zac Cook, Kaleb Lorrain, and Payten Cook, who lived with her grandparents much of the time and was being home-schooled by them this past year. Payten traveled with them in their fifth wheel to many places in Florida and New England. Jerry also had two little great-grandchildren and a niece, Pamala DeMerchant of Pownal.

Jerry loved his family deeply, and his beloved dog Suri and riding his Honda motorcycle. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Jerry always put his family first and gave his time in endless ways to all who needed him. He was a faithful man, a proud man, and an honest man. He set an example to his family and friends of kindness and humor, and to not let a day go by without a dance in your heart.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 2, 2013 at St. Joseph Church, 225 South High Street, Bridgton.