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Donald Cooke
August 21, 2023

Obituary

GRANBY - Donald Cooke, 91, of Batchelor Street in Granby, died peacefully on Monday, August 21, 2023. He was born in Holyoke on June 5, 1932, a son of the late Clifford and Marion (Dyer) Cooke. Donald was educated in the Granby Schools and graduated from South Hadley High School in 1951. He lived his entire life in Granby, married for 71 years to his loving wife, Joan (L’Abbee) Cooke. Don worked for Valley Machine Knife Company of West Springfield until his retirement in 1996. Don was a jack of all trades and could fix just about anything. In addition to being a high school athlete, Don’s favorite pastimes included tinkering in the garden and growing hundreds of vegetables each year, setting records in candlepin bowling, ice fishing in his backyard of Forge Pond, hosting Sunday breakfasts in his barn, being the ultimate Easter Egg hider, and always riding around with a canine companion in the passenger seat. Don was a member of the Tigers Athletic Club in Chicopee and a regular patron of the Granby American Legion, where he enjoyed playing Keno and talking about the Yankees. In addition to his wife, Donald is also survived by his sister, Blanche Cooke; two daughters, Donna and her husband, Sidney “Daniel” Pierson, and Debra and her husband, Reed Ernst; his son, Matthew; three granddaughters, Danielle, Nicole and McKenzie; two grandsons, Jeffery Jr. and Zachary; a great-grandson, Jack; and a great-granddaughter, River; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family member and friends. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Tom and Warren; and his son, Jeffrey. His funeral services and burial will be private. There are no visiting hours. His family will host a Celebration of Life Service at a later date and time to be announced. His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Donald was well-known for his helpfulness toward others. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating your time and compassion to someone who needs it. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com

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St. Pierre-Phaneuf Fairview Chapels
506 Britton Street
Chicopee, MA 01020
413-533-3307