Richard Burton Cook died on June, 5, surrounded by family at his home in Mashpee. He was 95.
Dick was born on June 29, 1924, and grew up in Stoneham. He was a three-sport athlete at Stoneham High School and, after graduating in 1942, entered World War II in the Navy. He was tabbed as one of the elite Top Gun Naval Aviators but, due to a football injury during training, finished the war aboard ship.
Following the war, Dick attended and graduated from Curry College in Milton and then began a long and successful career with Ray-O-Vac Inc. He quickly rose through the ranks, finishing his career with a vice-presidency in marketing.
Dick’s Vineyard ties began in the late 1940s, spending the summer with family at the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association in Oak Bluffs. In 1980, he and his wife, Mimi, purchased a house on the corner of William and Center streets in the historic section of Vineyard Haven. They lived there year-round for over 25 years, during which time Dick started his own consumer products company, Pull Chains Inc.
Speed and Mimi, as they were known, enjoyed entertaining friends and family through the years. He supported many Island causes and institutions, particularly Camp Jabberwocky, where his daughters were camp counselors for many years. Dick also succumbed to the many charms of Farm Neck Golf Club. He was affectionately called Cookie by his many playing companions.
He loved the theatre and performed in community and regional theatre productions as a young man. He also attended many a Broadway opening while living in New Jersey. Dick traveled extensively and enjoyed Sinatra, politics, reading fiction, biographies and the Vineyard Gazette.
Above all else, Dick was the consummate people person — he acquired a bevy of lifelong friends and acquaintances wherever he lived. One of his favorite songs was the Barbara Streisand hit from the 1960s, People.
Dick is survived by his wife Mimi; son, Gary; and daughters, Holly and Laurie; along with seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, all of whom brought great joy to his life. A ceremony with full military honors is planned.
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