This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Ned Cooke, 88 years old, born on July 25, 1934, and passed away on May 25, 2023.
Please add photos or stories of Ned to this website.
Edward T. Cooke or Ned / "UN" (aka Uncle Ned) passed away peacfully in his sleep as he always told his nephew Brian he wanted to. Ned had a generous spirit in so many ways. He was a good man who served his country and was proud of his service in the Navy. He loved being on the water and looking up at the stars. In his younger years Ned was also an amaetur boxer. He was a man's man but had a reputation for being a ladies man on the dance floor. He lived his life on his own terms but always with a spirit of helping others, especially if you expressed an interest in sailing or astronomy! Ned was always up for a party and had a good sense of humor. During the holidays he was known to loudly proclaim that he was allergic to shrimp seconds before he popped about 3 in his mouth in front of everyone! Thankfully he must not have been that allergic.
Ned was predeceased by his parents, his two sons, Jimmy Cooke and Garyowen Cooke, his older sister Kathleen (Cooke) McAteer and younger brother Joseph Patrick Cooke. He is survived by six nieces and nephews, their spouses, and many grand-nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many good friends and fellow sailors at the Sandy Hook Bay Catamaran Club and the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Club.
A special thank you goes to his nephew Brian McAteer and his wife Kerry along with his niece Kimberly (McAteer) Kane and her husband Brian Kane for hosting Ned at so many holiday gatherings over the years but also for supporting Ned more recently when he had to loosen the reigns on his fierce sense of independence.
A memorial service and burial will be held on Thursday, June 15 at 12:30 at the Brigadier General William Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Road, Wrightstown, NJ.
Please consider a donation in Ned's memory to Atlantic Highlands Sailing Education Program (AHSEP), PO Box 43, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716. www.ahsep.org.
We'll miss you Ned!
