Obituary of Chester Morris Cook

Chester Cook, 94, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Born on April 13, 1932, Chester was a lifelong resident of Denville, New Jersey, a town he was proud to call home for all of his 94 years.

After graduating high school, Chester attended vocational school before serving his country in the United States Air Force for four years. He later became the owner of Arkie Radio and Television in Morristown,New Jersey, where he built a successful business grounded in honesty, dedication, and strong relationships within the community.

Chester was, above all, a family man. A fantastic husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, he lived his life with deep love and devotion to those around him. He married the love of his life, Anna, on October 12,1959, and together they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2002.

He had a remarkable intuition and a way of sensing what was ahead, often proving to be right in the end, something his family came to admire and rely on. He was a master of sarcasm, and his quick wit and dry humor brought laughter into every room. Chester also had a natural magnetism with children; he connected with them effortlessly and was often found down on the floor playing, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Known for his kindness and selflessness, Chester was a wonderful caregiver, always putting others first and making sure everyone around him was taken care of. He found joy in nature and appreciated life’s simple pleasures, whether spending time outdoors or simply being surrounded by family.

He is survived by his loving children, Joanne Leach of Randolph, New Jersey, and Steven (Paula) Cook of Austin, Texas; his cherished grandchildren, Christopher Leach, Jenna Leach, and Luciana Cook; his niece, Carolann (Victor) Filimonchuk; his great-nephews, Nicholas (Erica) Filimonchuk and Matthew (Kaitlyn) Filimonchuk; and his adored great-great-nieces and nephews, Hailey, Luke, Harper, Michael, and Kennedy.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anna Cook, in 2002; his son-in-law, David Leach, in 2018; and Burl Cook, who was like a brother to him, in 2015.

Chester leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family. His granddaughter lovingly called him “my favorite person in the entire world,” and his grandson says it best: “See you later, space cowboy.”

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will take place on Friday, May 8th, at 10:00 AM at Norman Dean Home for Services. Interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul Orthodox Cemetery in Randolph, New Jersey.