Northborough – Roger W. Cook Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at the home of his daughter Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. He was 91 years old. He was the husband of Shirley L. (Tucker) Cook, who predeceased him in 2013.
Roger was born in Grafton, the son of the late Leo J. and Delia J. (Burke) Cook, and attended Worcester Public Schools. After graduation and prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Force, he served 14 months with the Civilian Conservation Corps.
While serving his country during WWII, Roger served as a rear gunner on an A-20 aircraft. He was involved in many campaigns and battles, including New Guinea, Bismarck Archipelago, Western Pacific, Luzon, and the Southern Philippines. It was in the Philippine Theatre, after his A-20 bomber was hit by enemy fire, that Roger earned a Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery shown while protecting his crew without concern for his own safety.
After the war, Roger worked with the U.S. Postal Service for 37 years prior to retirement. After retirement, he worked for several years at the former Bradlees of Westborough.
Roger believed in hard work and often worked two jobs, dedicated to providing for his family. Simple in nature but strong in character, Roger was known for his words to live by. “A fool and his money are soon parted” was one of his favorites.
Among his survivors, he leaves six children, Roger W. Cook Jr. and his wife Jan of Lincoln, Neb., Michael F. Cook and his wife Quang of Northborough, Sandra Tetreault and her husband John of Northborough, Dianne Petrie and her husband Daniel of Auburn, Leo J. Cook, II and his wife Lynn of Worcester, and Jo A. Fontaine and her husband Steven of Auburn. He also leaves 19 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren whom he adored. He was predeceased by two brothers, Edward and Leo Cook.
Roger was a longtime supporter of Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed fishing, a round of golf, bowling, and above all, spending time with his family.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m., in the St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough. He will then be laid to rest with military honors in Howard Street Cemetery, Northborough.
To view or leave condolences, or to read more about Roger’s heroic service to his country, please visit his Book of Memories at www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
