Paul L. Cook

Paul L. Cook,101, of Watertown, died on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Hospice of Jefferson County.

 Paul was born on May 28, 1924, in Watertown, New York to Paul H. and Gertrude H. (Robinson) Cook. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1946 after returning from World War II.

 Mr. Cook served in the US Army from 1943 until 1945.  On March 4, 1943, he entered the US Army and served in Company A of the 299th Engineer C Battalion in Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland. He was part of the rear echelon of the 299th which landed on Omaha Beach Normandy on July 3, 1944. Mr. Cook received the Distinguished Unit Badge, American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and European -African- Middle -Eastern Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 4, 1945. Mr. Cook was extremely proud of his service in the United States Army and attended reunion events with those whom he served.

 Mr. Cook was married June 20, 1948 at Holy Family Church to Angeline Leccarde. Mrs. Cook died in 2003. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Cook Navarra (David), Watertown, NY, a son, Timothy (Jill) Cook, Webster, NY and Wesley Chapel, Florida, and a daughter, Christine Cook (Stephen Golden) Star Lake, NY and Redington Shores, Florida. He's also survived by his grandchildren, Amy Navarra Adams (Edward), Brian Navarra, Sara Cook Fisch (Murray), and Melissa Cook Maracle (Dustin). Mr. Cook adored his great grandchildren, Jack Adams, Lila Adams, Samantha Fisch, Ethan Fisch, Talia Fisch, Mia Maracle and Nolan Maracle. He is also survived by a brother, Ronald, sister-in-law, Rosalyn Minton (Paul) and brother-in-law Robert Hamilton (Marty), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Angeline, who died April 20, 2003, his parents Paul and Gertrude Cook, his older brother Richard Cook, his brother-in-law Stanley Leccarde, and sister-in-law, Jacqueline Hamilton.

 Mr. Cook was a member of the Transportation Club of Northern New York, the American Legion Post #61, Northside Improvement League, and was on the Board of the Salvation Army.  As a teen he was an avid sports fan.  He loved ping-pong, billiards, and basketball.  As an adult he enjoyed tennis, golf, bowling, and fishing.   He loved all sports at Syracuse University and was willing to go anywhere to watch a game that wasn't available on his own television. In addition, he attended many sports events at the Carrier Dome and even Archibald Stadium.

 He loved music, whether listening to it or singing. He played Broadway show tunes at home. Mr. Cook was a founding member of the Watertown chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, formerly known as the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA). He was a devoted and faithful participant of the singing group for many decades and attended national competitions and conventions throughout the United States. He was also a member of the Celebration Singers of Holy Family Church.

 He began his working career as a delivery man for Hathaway Bread and went on to become a meter reader for Niagara Mohawk.  He served as a transportation manager for Burns Motor Express. Additionally, he was the transportation and personnel manager at Hall Ski-Lift.  He retired after 17 years, from the  Military Personnel Office at Fort Drum, where he processed military officer promotions.

 He was the best Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa that anyone could ever hope for. He was kind, generous and loving, and the number one fan to all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He would often buy little gifts that were specially chosen for each one in his family whether it was for a birthday, Christmas or just something he gave you because he loved you. 

 He was a faithful parishioner of Holy Family Church after converting from the Methodist faith. He loved to travel and particularly treasured any time he spent in the Adirondacks and Canada. He loved going out to eat, and you might have seen him in many local restaurants, including the Crystal, where he was treated like a king.

The family wishes to thank his in-home caregivers from Seniors Helping Seniors and the staff and Dream Team from the Hospice of Jefferson County.

Calling hours will be Monday October 13, 2025 from 5-7pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A prayer service will be held at 9:15 am at the funeral home with a 10 am funeral mass on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Holy Family Church. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, with military honors.

Donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Foundation, 320 W. Lynde Street, Watertown, NY or Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

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