Harry A. Cooke

Harry A. Cooke Longtime Bowie, Maryland resident Harry Aidan Cooke, husband of late Margaret Theresa Cooke for 66 years, and father of 12 children, died Saturday morning, March 18, 2017 at the age of 91. Harry had an extraordinarily full and rewarding life with the support of family and friends. He died peacefully in his sleep, which is how he prayed he would go to heaven to be with his beloved first wife, Monnie. Harry spent 22 years in the Navy and retired as Chief Personnelman. He then worked for the US Federal Government for an additional 15 years, retiring in 1981 at the age of 55. For the last 36 years, Harry spent his days as a professional coaster: traveling to every PX around the globe, tinkering around his house, hosting lunch at Annapolis Fleet Reserve Club, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Harry had a penchant for planning parties and continued to do so up until his last day on earth. Harry was born in Philadelphia, PA to Henry and Anna Cooke. He is preceded in death by his brother Edwin Cooke, and sisters Jean Hudecheck, Margaret (Sis) Hanahan, Florence Anna Cooke, and Dorothy Eleanor Cooke. Harry is survived by his children (spouses): H. Martin (Marcia); Paul (Susan); Mark (Scott); Monica (Roy); John (Barbara); Christopher (Laura); Sara (Jeffery); Mary (Michael); Elizabeth (Matthew); Dorothy (Louis); Peter; and Theresa (Christopher). He was beloved by everyone who met him, and his legacy carries on through his children, 35 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Family will receive friends at the family-owned BEALL FUNERAL HOME, 6512 NW Crain Hwy. (Rte. 3 South), Bowie, MD on Friday, March 24, 2017 from 6 to 8 pm. A prayer service will occur at 7 pm, conducted by Deacon Paul Cooke.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH, 14720 Annapolis Rd., Bowie, MD, on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 10:30 am.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HOSPICE OF THE CHESAPEAKE, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD, 21122; or to the FLEET RESERVE CLUB (FRC) OF ANNAPOLIS, 100 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 (Please note: donations to FRC are NOT tax deductible). Expressions of sympathy can be mailed to COOKE RESIDENCE at 12302 Millstream Drive, Bowie, MD 20715.