Arthur F. Cook

Arthur F. Cook, age 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Lester A. Cook and Anna M. (Lyman) Ryder.  He was raised in Dedham, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Dedham High School with the Class of 1952.  Arthur began his career in the towing industry while still in high school, taking a position with Bimbo's Towing in Dedham, remaining with the company for several years after his graduation.

In 1956, Arthur enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country.  He was stationed with Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment, serving at several installations.  Arthur was honorably discharged to the US Army Reserve in November of 1958, having earned the rank of Private First Class.  Upon his return home to civilian life, Arthur took a position with Reidy's Auto Body in Norwood.

Arthur married his beloved wife, Sylvia Church, on October 14, 1961, in the United Church of Norwood.  Together, they made their home in Walpole, where in 1963, Arthur and his brother, Ronald, founded Cook Brothers Towing at the Getty Station on the corner of Routes 1 and 27.  In 1971, Arthur opened the doors of Cook's Cycle in Foxborough on the corner of Route 1 and North Street, later moving to a bigger shop just down the road across from the stadium in 1984.  He remained active with the shop through the move to Walpole, always bringing a smile to his customers’ faces. 

When he wasn't hard at work, Arthur was busy planning a trip in one of his many RVs.  In younger years, there were annual road trips to Disney World with his wife and three boys, and in later years, Arthur and Sylvia returned to Florida, spending some of the winter months in Key Largo.  Arthur and Sylvia loved spending time together on the road, visiting many states throughout the country, making stops at various locations, including the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee and the Grand Canyon in Arizona.  While the sightseeing was fun, Arthur truly looked forward to traveling the NASCAR circuit with his RV, catching many races in the 80s and 90s, making plenty of friends along the way.

Back at home in Walpole, Arthur enjoyed spending time outdoors, working in his vegetable garden or making repairs and improvements to his house.  As a mechanical whiz, he was great at fabricating anything he needed to make the job go a little bit smoother, finding many parts in his vast collection.  Once the work was complete, Arthur would take Sylvia to dinner at the Red Wing Diner in Walpole, meeting with their close friends for a clam plate.

To remember Arthur is to remember his wonderful sense of humor, especially his one liners.  His parting wisdom to all is summed up by his favorite, "Don't behave and don't get caught."

Beloved husband of Sylvia C. (Church) Cook.

Loving father of Jon Cook and his wife, Dianne, Jeffrey Cook and his wife, Sandie, and the late Christopher Cook.

Cherished grandfather of Jason Cook, Daniel Cook, and Joseph Cook.

Brother of the late Stephen Cook and the late Ronald Cook.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the Arty Party on Sunday, August 7, 2022 from 2 to 6 PM at the Norwood Elks Lodge, 152 Winslow Avenue, Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christian Appalachian Project, P.O. Box 55911, Lexington, KY 40555-5911 or at www.christianapp.org

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.