Howard V. “Skeeter” Cook, 91

Howard V. “Skeeter” Cook, 91, of Punxsutawney, died Friday, March 10, 2023, at UPMC Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born Aug. 6, 1931, in Hamilton, a son of the late Vira (Stewart) and Albert V. Cook.

On Sept. 22, 1956, he married Rose Marie (Rinaldi) Cook, who survives. They were married for 66 years.

He attended the St. Johns Reformed Church. Skeeter was an avid golfer who was a member of the Punxsutawney Country Club.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, fishing trips to Canada and spending his winters in Florida with the friends he made there.

Skeeter was the founder and owner of 3-H Abrasives and the co-founder of Production Abrasives.

He belonged to the Johns W. Jenks Masonic Lodge No. 534, Coudersport Consistory, Jaffa Shrine, and was a charter member of the Jaffa Shrine ATC Unit.

In addition to his wife, Rose, he is survived by two children, son Ronald Cook and wife Velma of Punxsutawney and daughter Cathy London and husband Kim of Punxsutawney; four grandchildren, Cory Cook and wife Jenna, Kelsey Geerin and husband Jimmy, and Alex and Max London; two great-grandchildren, Garrick Cook and Bode Geerin; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, John, Jim, Jake, David and Harry Cook, and three sisters, Edra Sykes, Ruth Neyerlin and Helen Curry.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Deeley Funeral Home, Punxsutawney.

A memorial service will take place immediately following visitation beginning at 12 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Glenn McQuown officiating.

Interment will be in St. Johns Cemetery, Punxsutawney.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Howard “Skeeter” Cook to Shriners Hospital for Children, Jaffa Shrine, 2200 Broad Ave., Altoona, PA 16601.

Online condolences may be made at www. deeleyfuneralhome.com.