William Frederick Cook passed on September 1, 2026 at his home in Derry, NH after fighting tooth and nail against a terrible illness. Bill was surrounded by many of his family and friends in his final days. He is survived by his wife Jeanne Parnell, Bill’s daughter Ann Marie French of Fryeburg, Maine, and his son William A. Cook of Alexandria, Virginia. They all dearly loved Bill and he was fortunate to have them by his side when he passed.
Born in Philadelphia on February 26, 1947, Bill was one of five siblings with his brothers Rob, Dan, and Tom, and his sister Joyce. He grew up in Ambler, Pennsylvania and graduated from Upper Dublin High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era where he received an honorable discharge after completing his service. Bill spent many years as a talented house builder, chef, tool and die maker, and a metal fabricator. Bill was also a longtime ski patroller at Blue Mountain in Pennsylvania, where he cherished his time and still called many of his patroller friends right up until his passing. Bill left Blue Mountain to become a patroller at Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire, where he met Jeanne and subsequently spent all the time chasing her around the mountain. After she finally agreed to a date, they fell in love and bonded their two families together for the remainder of his life.
Bill loved to spend time with his family, and he will be missed by his grandchildren—who affectionally called him “Boogie”—Ariel, Gavin, Kyra, Evelyn and William, as well as his great grandchildren Vera, Wesley, Hazel, and Bennet. He is survived by his siblings, Dan, Tom and Joyce, and joins his brother Rob in the afterlife. Bill will also get to see his grandchild, Mia, who he has missed terribly since her passing. Jeanne will especially miss his wry sense of humor, companionship, and love. His cats, Rocky and Riley, will undoubtedly miss his warm lap for them to sleep on. He will also be missed by his step-children Brad, Rory and Michael.
Bill loved to tinker and spent his free time fixing up his houses and antique cars, taking photographs, listening to classic rock, reading spy novels, traveling the world, working out at the gym, and watching irreverent classic comedy movies, which perfectly complimented his great sense of humor.
Bill was there for those that needed him. He will be deeply missed, but we know that he would want those that loved him to remember the good times, especially laughing at his fart jokes. So Bill asked the world to pull his finger one final time while he simultaneously flipped the bird. Know that is he is still flashing his iconic grin and laughing with us. Rest easy Bill, your work here is done.
Services will be determined at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cancer Research Institute. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry and Londonderry are assisting the family with arrangements.