SALEM - William M. Cook, 68, husband of Dianne E. (McKnight) Cook, of Salem, died Saturday, September 20, 2008 following a lengthy illness.
Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Nathan H. & Elsie (Doak) Cook and was a lifelong resident of the city.
Prior to his retirement, he was a self employed electrical contractor and also worked as director of environmental services at the Pilgrim Rehabilitation Center in Peabody.
Active in youth hockey programs for many years, Mr. Cook was treasurer of Salem Youth Hockey for 19 years and then served as treasurer of the Salem & Swampscott Youth Hockey program. He was a member of the Salem High Hockey Boosters Club and as an avid fan, he attended every game or practice when each of his three children were participating.
He was a member of the Essex Lodge, AF & AM of Salem, The BPOE Elks Lodge in Salem, and a longtime member of the Salem Marine Society. During the 1960's to mid 1970's, he was president of the Citizens Band Search & Rescue, Inc. He was an honorary member of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
He lived his greatest enjoyment which was being with his family.
Besides his wife, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage, he is survived by one daughter, Wendy Krawczyk of Salem, two sons & daughters-in-law, William M. “Chip” Cook II and his wife Cheryl of Fitchburg, Aaron N. Cook and his wife Bridget of Dracut, two grandsons, Jacob Krawczyk of Salem and Aaron J. Cook of Dracut. He was predeceased by one brother, Nathan H. Cook II.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 25 at 11 am at the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 4 Ocean St., Beverly. Committal service will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours are Wednesday from 4 to 8 pm at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. For on-line condolences and other information, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.