Edwin C. Cooke, 96, of Pittsfield died peacefully on February 20, 2015 at Hillcrest Commons surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 1, 1918 in Pittsfield, he was the son of the late Edwin and Isabel Broderick Cooke. "Cookie" grew up in Pittsfield and was educated in Pittsfield schools and was a 1936 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He was a competitive swimmer throughout his youth and went on to excel in softball through his adult years. Following high school Ed worked at the House of Mercy where he met his future wife, Luciana Conte whom he married on September 26, 1939. She died on March 16, 2009. He was employed by the General Electric Company as a core assembler in the Transformer Division until his retirement in 1980. He had also worked at the former Hilton Hotel for the following eight years. At the time of his death Ed had resided at Providence Court where he was surrounded by caring friends. He was a communicant of St. Joseph Church and a member of the Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club Alumni Association and the Froio Senior Center. An avid bowler, he also enjoyed swimming. He was also a longtime sports fan. He is survived by his son: David A. Cooke and his wife Paula of Pittsfield. A daughter; Christine M. McGinnis of Swathmore, PA. Six grandchildren: David S. Cooke, Anthony A. Cooke, Trisha M. Cooke, Christine Marque, Suzanne Boyer and Joseph McGinnis. Eleven great grandchildren; Patrick, Andrew and Christopher Cooke, Malcolm Bowen, Dylan, Lauren and Carly Boyer, Sebastien Cecilia, Samuel Marque and Julien McGinnis. He is also survived by a brother; William Cooke of Arizona, his sister-in-law; Marge Cooke of Ellington, CT and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Ed was predeceased by a sister; Patricia Serrani and by a brother; George Cooke. He was also predeceased by a grandson; the late Christopher Cooke. Those who knew and loved Ed will hopefully carry on his legacy of respecting and caring for all he met no matter their religion; their political persuasion; their race; their gender or their state in life.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A graveside service for Edwin C. Cooke who died February 20, 2015 will be held in the spring in St. Joseph Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations in memory of Ed may be made to Elder Services of Pittsfield, Hillcrest Commons Staff Enrichment or to the charity of one's choice all in care of the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield, MA 01201 which is handling arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edwin C. Cooke, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.