Obituary of Richard P. Cook

   Richard P. Cook, Sr., of Heritage Hills in Somers, passed away on December 17th, 2025, at the age of 91. Richard was born on June 15, 1934 in Uxbridge, MA.  His parents were William and Edwidge (Lacature) Cook. He graduated from Uxbridge High School, and then St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, after which he received a fellowship from Fordham Graduate School of Social Services.

   He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Elaine, and his brothers William and Charles.   He is survived by his wife Della, “his rock” and the “love of his life;” his sons Brian of Cortlandt Manor, Richard (wife Jodi) of Somers, William of Mt. Kisco and Gary of St Petersburg, Florida. He is also survived by six wonderful grandchildren; Kevin, Kristen, Katie and Daniel, Patrick and Ren; and a great grandchild, Beatrice.  

  For almost 40 years the family spent most of their holidays at their cherished log cabin in the Adirondack Mountains, where they entertained family and many friends.

   Richard was employed for six years as the Director of Youth Institute in Ossining NY and then spent 34 years in the Yorktown School District where he served under Mildred Strang as district social worker, then as Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Education. In the late 1960’s, he formed the first Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA), which was the first in the State of New York. Representing over 200 parents, their first priority was to return to the District 117 students from BOCES special education programs where students were housed in churches, and other non-inclusive settings. Over a 10-year period, SEPTA recommended and received approval from the superintendent and the Board of Education for 21 classes ranging from resource rooms to Special Education classes.  They served children with minor learning problems to the severely handicapped.  Richard also initiated the Alternative High School program which was for students who had difficulty making it in regular high school.  Also in the 1960’s, he initiated and received approval for the Headstart program which still exists in Yorktown.  Richard also served as President of the NY State Assoc. of Pupil Personnel Administrators. 

  Richard enjoyed collecting antique clocks, many collectibles and working in his flower gardens, which were extensive.

  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 27th, 2025 at 11:30 am at St. Joseph’s RC Church, 95 Plum Brook Road, Somers 10589.