Roger J Cook

Roger John Cook, age 83, a dedicated and good natured father and husband, passed away on May 18, 2024. He was born in Elizabeth, NJ on February 9, 1941 to Emma Cook (Gomboz) and Elvin Cook. Roger graduated North Plainfield High School in 1958 and married Kathleen Judson in 1970. During their warm and loving marriage of 54 years, Kathy and Roger raised three girls and later welcomed three grandchildren with nothing other than delight and glee.

Those who knew Roger enjoyed his easy going character and contagious chuckle. He found humor in any situation, from his grandchildren’s antics to favorite anecdotes from his younger days. Friends will also remember Roger’s devotion to his family and never ending willingness to help others.

In 1979, Roger and his wife Kathy bought the Clinton 5&10, fulfilling a long-held dream of owning their own business. The 5&10 was an icon in the center of town for the 14 years they owned it. Most neighbors and friends worked there at one time or another, making it a true family place. Roger taught many teenagers their first valuable lessons in the workplace, along with how to run a cash register, count money, and keep all bills facing the same direction!

Roger also worked as a controller for Comet Electric of New Brunswick, Charles Mann Contracting of Flemington, and William Stothoff Company of Flemington. He was a charter member of the North Hunterdon Baptist Church and devoted much of his time, energy, and treasury skills there.

While he always worked hard, Roger was a champion relaxer. He loved the beach and never missed a chance to float in the pool. From the time he was a young man, Roger loved to travel and was always ready to hit the road or embark on a sightseeing adventure. He instilled this love in his children and continued traveling throughout his retirement, whether accompanying his daughters on trips to Florida or hopping in a helicopter to land on a New Zealand glacier.

Roger is survived by his wife Kathleen; daughters Meredith of Allentown, NJ, Heather (Adam Berger) of Ambler, PA, and Abigail (Richard Clark) of White River Junction, VT; grandchildren Thomas and Ruth Clark, and Simon Cook; brothers Dean Cook and Elvin Cook; and 10 nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Linda Wiel.

Visiting hours will be held at Maxwell Funeral Home, 160 Mathistown Rd, Little Egg Harbor, NJ on Thursday, May 23 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Roger’s funeral will be held on Friday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Tuckerton, 210 E Main St, Tuckerton, NJ with a repast following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Deborah Hospital Foundation (deborahfoundation.org) or the Southern Ocean Medical Center Foundation (givehmh.org/SouthernOcean).