Richard T. Cook

It is with deep sadness and respect that we announce the passing of Richard T. Cook, known to many as Dick. Born on February 25, 1945, in Boston, MA, Richard's life was a quilt, built with unforgettable loving moments with his friends and family. 

He was a man of many passions, from his love for motorcycles and restoring old cars to racing, and spending time with his loved ones. In his younger years, Richard and his horse were inseparable, creating memories that would last a lifetime. A proud Boston native, Richard had the opportunity to live in Clinton, Marlborough, and Arizona before settling in Phillipston, Massachusetts. His primary passion in his life was his family. 

His memory is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Almeda Cook, his daughter Robin Milligan, his son Richard Cook, and his beloved wife Diana Cook. He is survived by his children Diana Graham, Tammy and Tommy Hale, Brenda and Brent Hawkins, and Richard Jr and Lisa Cook. Along with his children, he is survived by an abundance of grandchildren and great grandchildren whose lives he had a profound impact on. 

His love and admiration for his family will carry on through them and inspire them to continue his legacy, and nothing gave him more pride in his life than being a father/grandfather/and great grandfather. He was truly the ‘people's grandpa’, respected and loved not only by his family but by all who knew him. Second only to the love of his family, Dick was a man of the road. His career was a self made truck driver and through his driving he travelled millions of miles. His many years on the road made him friends who shared the same passion and he was a respected member of the trucking community. No matter how far the journey would take him with his career, he would be happiest coming home at the end of the week to see his loved ones. 

Richard’s generosity knew no bounds, he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He could be in a room full of loved ones and not hear a single word of what was being said, but smiling ear to ear, just being happy to be around the people he loved. His biggest joys came from drinking coffee around the table, feeling the warmth of pepper on his food, telling long winded jokes, and playing with his great grandchildren even through his wavering health. Dick’s Christmas tradition was one that will never be forgotten—his emotional reactions to the gifts he received. He would often be found wiping away tears, overwhelmed with gratitude and love, making every holiday season memorable for those who shared in the moment with him. 

The family invites you to join them for a visitation on Saturday, February 15th, 2025, at 9:30 am at the Mack Family Funeral Homes- Gardner Chapel, 105 Central Street, Gardner, Massachusetts, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. 

Richard will be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in Templeton, Massachusetts, at 12:00pm. 

We kindly encourage friends and family to pay tribute to Richard by leaving memories and uploading photos to the memorial page, celebrating his journey and the remarkable life he led. 

‘Bye for now’, you will forever be in our hearts.