Leonard Paul Cook

Leonard Paul Cook (aka Len, Lenny, Brud and Unc) was born on May 11, 1924 in Buffalo, New York to parents Leonard Joseph and Doris Cook and brother to Gloria (aka Dolly). A veteran of World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946 working on B17 and B29 heavy bombers . In 2013 he was thrilled to be invited and visit Washington D.C. as a participant of Honor Flight and on Veteran's Day 2015 was a distinguished guest at the Grapevine Veteran's Day celebration to which he wore his original Army Air Corps uniform. Upon discharge, he attended the University of Buffalo on the GI Bill and John Hopkins University where he earned a Master's of Science in 1954. After graduation, he went to work for the New York State Health Department in Albany, New York as a Bio Statistician. Less than a year later he was recruited and joined the National Chapter of the American Heart association as a Bio Statistician in New York City and moved his young family to East Meadow on Long Island. Len met, wooed and proposed to his lovely wife Irene just 7 weeks after meeting and were married on August 20, 1949 in Buffalo. A year later while a student at John Hopkins in Baltimore they began their family with the birth of Karen. Kevin, Sharon, Maureen, Doreen and Leonard Joseph followed over the next 12 years. A devoted family man, Len's greatest delight was being surrounded by his 6 children, their partners and spouses, 11 grandchildren and their partners and spouses and 7 great grandchildren. In 1975, the American Heart Association relocated to Dallas Texas. Len and Irene packed up the wagon train and moved the family to Plano, Texas - then a vast area of sorghum fields and Big Horn cattle. During his 31 year tenure with the American Heart Association, Len was promoted to be the Director of Scientific Councils and his lasting legacy is the Cardiovascular Epidemiology seminar which annually draws a select group of physicians, nurses and medical specialists from throughout the United States. Family was always the central focus for Len. Christmas time was particularly special to Len, as all his children, without exception, have been home for Christmas since 1975. An ardent game player he loved surrounding himself with family to play cards, board games, pool volleyball and croquet. And always the consummate host Len loved tending the bar with his bourbon and 7up and dancing the night away. He and Irene traveled the world visiting Poland, Germany, Thailand, China, Israel, Scotland, Philippines, France, Guam, Brazil, Canada, Portugal, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia. A devoted Catholic, Len's most memorable trip was to Jerusalem. Lens' activity with his church St Elizabeth Seton is legendary. He headed the Usher organization for decades and served as a Eucharistic Minister. In 2015 he was awarded the Bishop Award recognizing his outstanding service to the church.
Len's passing will leave an unfillable void for his family, friends and church. He is survived by wife Irene Cook, children: Karen Cook Henderson (Doug), Kevin Cook and Andrew Sandler, Sharon Cook Zitrick, Maureen Cook Dutton, Doreen Cook Mouser (Bret) Leonard Cook (Susan) Grandchildren: Matthew Zitrick ( Stephanie), Samantha Topping (Michael), Daniel Zitrick (Carla), Brian Zitrick (Shawna), Tyler Dutton (Courtney), Wesley Dutton (Anna), Kyle Dutton, Travis Mouser, Andrew Mouser, Alex Cook (Shilah), Laura Cook, Kelli Houston, Ginger Henderson, Great Grandchildren: Belle Zitrick, Violet Zitrick, Zach Topping, Michael Topping, Nicholas Topping, Olivia Topping, Michael Zitrick, Christopher Zitrick, Rebecca Zitrick, Lydia Cook and Kacie West. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:30pm on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75023. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:00am on Friday, March 11, 2016 also at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. A reception will follow the Mass in the Parish Hall. If desired, contributions may be made in Lennie's name to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. He will be laid to rest in the Columbarium at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.