Michael Louis Cook, age 61, of Endwell, NY passed gracefully from this world into the next on May 16, 2013 leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 22 years, Mary Ellen, his loving and adored son Zachary and his sweet and very special daughter Sarah. Michael was predeceased by his devoted parents William and Ursula DeGonzac Cook and brothers, Arthur and William Cook. In addition to his wife and children he is survived by his dearest sisters, Janet Knight of Port Jervis, NY and Phyllis Riley of Marcellus, NY. Mike was also especially close to his wife’s family; Joan Toner of Endwell, N.Y. (Mother-in-Law); Maureen Toner of Somerset, NJ; James Toner of Penn Yan, NY; Kathleen Toner and Wendy Wheeler of Bonny Doon, CA; Susan (Toner) and Todd Hylton of San Diego, CA; Patricia Goudarzi of Paris, France; Thomas Toner and Marshall Pearson of Chadds Ford, PA; Timothy McFillin of Arlington, VA; and Mary McFillin of San Diego, CA Mike also cared deeply about many of his other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Born in Cornwall, NY, Mike later lived in various parts of the country only to return to the state that he loved nine years ago. Mike often said that he loved being back “home.” Mike received a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta and later completed graduate studies in education and administration from SUNY Cortland. Mike was an avid reader, which led him to pursue a long career in the field of education. Most recently Mike was a reading teacher at Jennie F. Snapp Middle School in Endicott, NY. Mike possessed a great passion for teaching children to become better readers and to help them become invested in their own lifelong learning. He has left a profound impression on many young people. Mike, also known as Big Mike, Mr. Mike, Mikey, and even “Dave” was very devoted to his family and friends. Known for his fabulous and zany sense of humor, Mike also had an infectious smile that could light up a room. Always gracious and easy-going, Mike added great fun to family events and we will all remember “decorating” Mike on Christmas Eve. Mike’s contagious laughter and his willingness to be the brunt of a good joke made him great fun to be around. He loved music, dancing (many will recall his wild footwork at his wedding) and singing. Mike’s flair for the dramatic made him perfectly suited for many years of performing in community theaters. He also loved boating and fishing and to him getting out on the water was one of life’s greatest joys. Recently Mike especially enjoyed trips with Mary Ellen and Zach to Ormond Beach, FL, dinners out (even though he was a very good cook) and simply hanging at home with the family he so loved. Also brightening his days was time spent watching Zachary study karate under the watchful eye of Master Hidy Ochiai at the Washin-ryu Dojo. Mike felt that one of the most important things he had done as a parent was to provide this opportunity for his son. He was so proud of the progress Zach was making both in karate class and in school. Mike will be so missed by all whose lives he touched and he will be remembered always with great love and affection. Mike’s family would like to thank UHS staff, especially Dr. Frank Floyd, Geisinger Transplant Center and Lourdes Hospice Program. The family is also especially grateful to the Union-Endicott School District and the Endicott Teachers Union for their care and support. Michael L. Cook will always be remembered as a great Yankee fan, a great husband, a great father, and a good friend to everyone that cared and loved him. He will remain in our hearts always.

The family received friends at the Allen Memorial Home starting Wednesday, May 22nd until funeral Services on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at the Church of the Holy Family, Endwell, NY. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Johnson City.

A memorial service will also be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton at a later date. Contributions may be made to Hidy Ochiai’s Educational Karate Program, 317 Vestal Parkway West, Vestal, NY 13850 or to a special charity of your choice.