Charles Cook, Sr.

Charlie was born in Arbutus, Maryland on February 11, 1942 to loving parents, Mary L. Knapp and Charles N. Cook. During his years at Catonsville High School, Charlie met the girl that would become his caring wife, - his beautiful, “special angel”, Norene B. (Harvey) Cook. Married on June 2, 1962, they had 3 children: Michele Wood (Creston III), Chuck Cook (Kate) and Greg Cook (Krissy). Blessed later with 5 grandchildren, Madeleine Wood, CPL Creston Wood IV, Berkeley Cook, Grayson Cook and Colton Wood. Sister’s Barbara Stegall, Carol Davis and Catherine Cook. Preceded in death by sister, Jean Egan. His echo response of “Love you more” will remain with them forever.

Immediately upon graduation from Catonsville High School in 1960, he started work at Key Press in Arbutus at a salary of $1.25 an hour. There, he earned his Printing Apprentice Degree. Charlie moved on to Modern Linotype and then, in 1969, began employment with the U.S. Government Publishing Office in Washington, DC. He rose to the title of Director New Business Development, a Senior Executive Schedule position until his retirement in 2007. During his employment with the USGPO, Charlie received numerous Certificates of Appreciation and Awards with the U.S. Congress and Presidential Inauguration Committees recognizing and commemorating his hard and excellent work.

Charlie inherited his “green thumb” and love of flowers (especially geraniums) from his German “Cook” ancestors and his mother, Polly. Whether in Arbutus, Ellicott City, Pasadena or New Market, Charlie and Norene’s home always looked like the cover page of “House Beautiful”. He enjoyed “Walking the neighborhood”, helping his friends and neighbors along the way. Charlie loved his wife’s cooking, spending time with family and friends, and studying the birds and deer that roamed in and near his gardens.

His motto and legacy – “DO and GIVE…either of yourself, your time, or something” will continue to live on through his devoted wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends, and neighbors. Charlie and Norene renewed their wedding vows on their back porch in 2018 surrounded by the mountains of Frederick County, continuing their love and devotion to God and to one another.

Charlie was a member of the Mount Carmel Methodist Church, which he loved, and was on the Church Council and Board of Trustees. A visitation of family and friends will take place Friday, October 5, 2018 from 5pm-7:30pm at New Market Methodist Church, 5501 Old New Market Road, New Market, MD 21704. Charlie’s “Celebration of Life” memorial service will be held the next day Saturday, October 6, 2018 at New Market Methodist Church with at 10:30am, Rev. Dr. Jenny Smith officiating. A reception immediately following at Mount Airy Bible Church, 16700 Old Frederick Rd., Mt. Airy, MD 21771. To leave loving thoughts and memories, visit www.ambrosefuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Charlie’s memory to “In the Garden Project” Payable to Mount Carmel United Methodist Church 9411 Baltimore Road, Frederick, MD 21704. Please note in your donation: Charles Cook Memorial.