Edwin Cook

East Lyme — It is with great sadness that the family of Edwin Arthur Cook announces his passing after a brief illness on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, at the age of 89. He was predeceased in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Norma (Dreyer) Cook.

Ed was born on July 25, 1929, in Weehawken, N.J., to Edwin and Martha (Sehrig) Cook. He was a 1947 graduate of Ridgefield Park High School in New Jersey. In April 1955, he married Norma (Dreyer) Cook. After living in New Jersey for 10 years, they moved to Connecticut and settled in Waterford in 1966, where they raised their family. Ed and Norma relocated to Niantic in 2011.

Ed joined the Air Force in January 1948, where he became a senior propeller mechanic, and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in January 1952.

After leaving the service, Ed became an auto mechanic at a car dealership where he met the love of his life, Norma, who worked as a bookkeeper at the dealership. Utilizing his Air Force experience, Ed became a flight engineer at TWA before attending college.

He attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, graduating in February 1964 with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. His engineering career started with the Pratt & Whitney division of United Technologies. In 1965, Ed joined the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics in Groton where he contributed to the engineering of nuclear-powered submarines. After 26 dedicated years, Ed retired from Electric Boat in July 1991.

In 1971, Ed became both deacon and ruling elder at Waterford Presbyterian Church. He played a key role in transitioning the congregation to Crossroads Presbyterian Church through his involvement in the building and financing of the new house of worship. Throughout the years, he was known for his faithful leadership as a trustee and his presence in the choir.

Ed’s other interests included woodworking, gardening, skiing and skeet shooting. He was a longtime member of Niantic Sportsmen’s Club and National Rifle Association.

Ed will be affectionately remembered by his son, Richard and his wife, Flory, of Oceanport, N.J.; daughter, Janet Traceksi of Canton; and four grandchildren, Drew, Danielle (Alex), Kristen and Lauren.

A memorial gathering to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018 at Crossroads Presbyterian Church, Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Research Institute, 29 Broadway, New York, NY 10006 or Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 70 Cross Road, Waterford, CT 06385.

The Thomas L. Nielan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic, is assisting the family with arrangements.