John Michael Cook, age 76, of Butler, passed away Sun., June 11, 2023, at Butler Memorial Hospital.
Born in Pittsburgh on Nov. 14, 1946, he was the son of the late Francis and Madeline Kennelly Cook.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served two tours as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy.
He was a tube still operator at Penreco for 36-and-a-half years.
John was a member of Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, Saint Wendelin Roman Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish Council.
He was a past president of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, a member of Chicora American Legion Post 642, and he served on the Oakland Township Planning Commission.
An avid history buff, he was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and served as a genealogist for the organization. He also represented the SAR in presentations to area ROTC classes.
John believed in helping others and spent his retirement years dedicated to that mission. He loved his family and his faith, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Carlene F. Holley Cook, whom he married July 19, 1968; two daughters, Lenora Karenbauer and her husband, Dave, of East Butler, and Melissa Rearick and her husband, David, of Butler; two grandchildren, Madeline Holly Karenbauer and Colton Cook Rearick; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received in the Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 429 Center Ave., Butler, on Wednesday from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Knights of Columbus will lead the praying of the Rosary on Wednesday at 7:40 p.m. at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 a.m. from Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, Saint Wendelin Roman Catholic Church, 210 Saint Wendelin Rd., Butler, with Rev. Matt McClain officiating.
Burial will take place in Saint Wendelin’s Cemetery.
Military Honors will be accorded at the church by the Chicora and Brady’s Bend American Legion.
The family requests memorial donations to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 146 N. Monroe St., Butler, PA 16001.