John M. Mook

John M. Mook, M.D. 1916 - 2009 BENNINGTON, VT Dr. John Milton Mook, 92, of Herndon, Va., died on August 23, 2009, at home after a lengthy illness. Born on September 12, 1916, in Metuchen, N.J., he was educated in the local school system and graduated from Rutgers University in 1939. He continued his education to become a general surgeon by graduating from the University of Rochester, N.Y., medical school in 1943. During World War II, Dr Mook entered the Army Medical Corps as a captain and was assigned to Thayer Army General Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. While there he met the love of his life, Jean Marie Wallace of Nashville. They were married on June 12, 1945. After the war, John and Jean moved to Bennington, Vt., where he began his practice of medicine at Putnam Memorial Hospital, now Southwestern Vermont Regional Medical Center. As a child, "Jack" had spent his summers at Hedges Lake near Cambridge, N.Y., and he always wanted to live year round in this part of the country. After more than 25 years in private practice, Dr. Mook retired and continued his service to humanity by becoming director of Emergency Services at Putnam Memorial. In 1988, he and his wife moved to Williamsburg, Va. Illness finally directed them to move closer to their son and family in Sterling, Va. Dr. Mook was a Master Gardener and accomplished woodworker. He also enjoyed hiking and snowshoeing on the Long Trail in Vermont. Dr Mook leaves his wife of 64 years; his brother, Edwin Mook (aged 102) of North Bennington; four sons, Colonel (USA-Ret) Wallace Mook and wife, Beverly, of Bettendorf, Ia.; John Mook, Jr., and wife, Jeanne, of Bennington, G. Randolph Mook and wife, Patricia, of Sterling; and Robert Mook and wife, Cathleen, of Nashua, N.H.; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Robert and Kenneth, and sister, Dorothy. Dr Mook directed his remains be cremated. Inurnment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. MEMORIAL NOTICE: A memorial service and reception will be conducted at the 2nd Congregational Church, Hillside St., Bennington, at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. Remembrances may be made in his name to a favorite charity or the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association.