Donald E. Cook, 74, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday after a courageous battle against numerous health issues.

Don (or "Donny" to some) was born on March 3, 1949 in Newark, NJ, the second child to the late Eugene and Gladys (Barker) Cook. As a teenager, Don could be found playing his trumpet for the school marching band, as captain of his swim team or serving as an altar boy for St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Rahway, NJ, which he admittingly said he did not do well. In addition, Don and his 3 best buddies (Tommy, Jamie, and Billy) often had a knack for finding trouble. After graduating from Rahway High School in 1967, Don attended Rutgers University studying Political Science while serving as the President of the Lambda Chi Fraternity.

Don married his high school sweetheart, Jacalyn Kosty, and they moved to Liverpool, NY to start their family as Don took a job with Kemper Insurance. Don went on to work for Aetna and Travelers Insurance Companies in Syracuse, but ultimately found himself "eating tuna fish sandwiches with little old ladies" as the Director of Planned Giving for the American Heart Association in Syracuse. Don enjoyed serving his community by staying active in the local Republican Party, as an elected town councilman, as a member of the local zoning board, as President of the Liverpool School Board, and as a board member of the Liverpool Jaycees, Beaver Meadows and Seneca River South Little League. He believed in giving back to the community.

Three of Don's biggest loves were golfing, gardening and his grandchildren, to which he was lovingly known as Poppop. Family and friends were everything to him. He was a beloved long-time member of Beaver Meadows Golf Course and he cherished his many golf buddies. His favorite event was always the 3-Day Member Guest where he enjoyed either playing with his childhood best friend, Tommy or following his two sons during their rounds. Don was always up for a good debate either involving politics (especially with his sister and brother-in-law) or how horrible the Mets or Cowboys seasons were going that year. With Don's big personality and infectious laugh, he could be found with ease in even the most crowded of rooms. Don filled the room and made any party bigger. He enjoyed his evening walks with his dog, Rosey, just to see which neighbors he would run into that day. His neighbors were like family and Pawnee Drive and Christmas Eves will never be the same. Don was truly one of a kind and "not just a pretty face". He will be sincerely missed by many.

Don is survived by his love of 56 years, Jacalyn (Kosty) Cook; two sons, Jeffrey (Summer) Cook and Charles (Tracy) Cook; his daughter, Victoria (Christopher) Mazza; his grandchildren, Mackenzie and Madelyn Cook, Andrew and Samantha Mazza and Sloan and Kollyns Cook; his sister, Barbara (Joseph) Davis; his cousin, Alyson Cook; and many other sister and brother in-laws, and nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Maurer Funeral Home Moyers Corners, 3541 State Rt 31 Baldwinsville, NY 13027. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 11:00 am at the funeral home with burial to follow in Pine Plains Cemetery, Clay, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to the Kimberly Ryan Memorial in memory of Donald Cook through the Liverpool Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 32, Liverpool, NY 13088.

Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home on-line guest book for Donald to express your condolences to his family.