Joseph Cooke Sr.

Joseph Neil Cooke, Sr., 77, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on September 30, 1948, in New York City, New York, Joseph was devoted to his faith, his family, and his community.

A graduate of Monte Cristo Queens High School, Joseph went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University in1970, playing both basketball and baseball. He had a career as a Social Security Claims Representative with the federal government.

He was married to Margaret M. (Schmidt) Cooke for 53 years and lived in East Windsor, where they raised their family and became deeply rooted in the community.

Joseph was a faithful Catholic, actively involved in fraternal and service organizations, including Local AFG 2369. Yet it was on the basketball court and ball fields where his quiet leadership shone brightest. He generously spent time as a youth sports basketball coach for St. Paul's Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), Notre Dame High School in Lawrence, NJ, and East Windsor PAL programs (basketball, baseball, and softball). To the many young athletes he coached, he was a steady presence, teaching teamwork, discipline, and heart.

Above all, Joseph was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is predeceased by his parents, Neil Cooke and Ida (Accatino) Cooke. He is survived by his devoted wife, Margaret; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Diane Cooke; his loving children, Amy (Cooke) Vannozzi and her husband Brian; Joseph Cooke, Jr. and his wife Aimee (Adler) Cooke; and Sean Cooke and his wife Caroline (Ciummei) Cooke. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Michael, Allison, and Matthew Vannozzi; Jack, Kate, and Charlotte Cooke; and Joseph Neil Cooke III.

Joseph will be remembered for his steady strength, his generous spirit, and the deep love he had for his family and sports. His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped and the values he instilled.

Visitation will be held at 10am with a service at 11am on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at The Mather-Hodge Funeral Home in Princeton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Catholic Youth Organization of Mercer County (https://www.cyomercer.org/).