Thomas Cook

Thomas J. Cook, 85, of State Highway 30 Town of Perth, NY; passed away Tuesday January 1, 2013 at River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam.

Born in Amsterdam on October 8 1927, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Louise A. Engel Cook.

Tom was a graduate of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam. He also received his certification from The School of Radio Technique on August 26, 1952, home study course in commercial radio announcing and copywriting. He had also taken the Dale Carnegie sales course on November 22, 1974 and held a citizens radio station license from 1977 to 1982.

Tom was employed at Syracuse Merchandisers and then as a Sales Broker for Nabisco Company in Albany, NY, retiring in 1999.

Tom was a parishioner and communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Broadalbin, NY. He was a member of its Holy Name Society and a lector. Tom also coached youth commission baseball in Perth, NY; he was an avid bowler, baseball player and a big NY Mets fan.

Tom was a devoted father, husband and grandfather. His wife Frances L. Cook to whom he married October 19, 1957 passed away April 7, 2003. He is survived by one son, Edward L. Cook (Rosa) of San Diego, CA; two daughters, Susan Kuchis (Frank) of Hagaman, NY and Lisa Wilczak (William) of Amsterdam, five grandchildren, William T. Wilczak and Casey Cook Wilczak of Amsterdam, Emily Kuchis of Hagaman, Kassandra and Francesca Cook of San Diego, one sister-in-law, Mary Lou Sisto, of Schenectady, NY; one cousin, Rita Traider. Two nephews, one niece and three great nieces also survive.

Funeral services will be held Monday morning January 7, 2013 at 10:00 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY, followed at 11:00 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Church, North Main Street Broadalbin, NY.

Interment will follow at Saint John the Baptist Cemetery in Schenectady, NY.

Calling hours are Sunday from 4 to 6 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc.

Memorial gifts in Tom’s name may be made to St. Joseph’s Church 2 North Street, Broadalbin, NY; 12025 or to St. Mary’s Institute 10 Kopernick Blvd. 12010.