Howard T. Cook Jr., 91, of Burlington, Vermont died peacefully on

October 14, 2024 at “Elderwood at Burlington” after a brief illness.

He was born on January 15, 1933 in Amesbury, MA, the son of Howard T.

Cook Sr. and Rosamond Walker Cook. He graduated from Amesbury High

School in 1951 and became the first in his family to attend college,

enrolling in a 5-year Co-op Work Study program at Northeastern

University in Boston. He graduated in 1956 with a BS degree in Civil

Engineering. While at Northeastern he joined the ROTC program and served

in the US Army Reserves for 8 years, rising to the rank of Captain. On

April 10, 1955 Howard married his high school classmate and sweetheart,

Carolyn Currier. After graduation, the couple moved to Baltimore, MD so

that Howard could fulfill his military obligation at Fort Belvoir, VA.

Their son, Russell, was born in Baltimore in September, 1956. Upon

completing his military commitment, Howard took a job with Kaman

Aircraft and relocated to West Springfield, MA, where his daughter,

Kathy, was born in 1960. Soon after, Howard began a 28-year career with

General Electric, relocating his family to South Burlington, VT. He

worked on many projects for the Armament Systems Division of GE. In 1988

he took advantage of the “Out the gate in ’88” early retirement program

and moved to South Hero, VT on Lake Champlain, where he enjoyed golfing,

fishing, boating, and spending time in his workshop making furniture. He

and Carolyn also began wintering in Nokomis, Florida where one of his

favorite pastimes was to relax with friends at the “North Jetty,”

watching the boats come in and out of the Intracoastal waterway, and

looking for dolphins and manatees. “Howie,” as he was affectionately

known by family and friends, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather,

brother, uncle and friend. He had an infectious laugh and a big smile.

His children and grandchildren have special memories of camping and

fishing trips in different states. Howie loved socializing with friends,

playing cards, and going to restaurants. He was also an avid reader.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Carolyn Cook; son Russell Cook

and daughter-in-law Barbara; daughter Kathy Johnson and son-in-law Eric;

his grandchildren Ryan King, Courtney Cook Ferazza (and her husband

David), Jeffrey King, Matthew Cook (and his wife Noelia), Nathan Cook;

five great grandchildren; Beloved sister-in-law Judith Cook, sister,

Karen Gilday, and brother-in-law, John; his nephews, nieces and many

dear friends.

He was predeceased by his younger brother, Richard Cook, of East

Kingston, NH, in 2004.

A celebration of Howard’s life will be held in South Hero, VT in the

spring.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral and Cremation Service.

To send online condolences, please visit www.cremationsocietycc.com