Wayne Sumner Cook

Born March 7, 1941. Died January 12, 2025 peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Elaine; son, John (Tammy) Cook; grandsons, Andrew (Natalie) Cook, Robert Cook, Matthew (Emma) Cook; great-granddaughters, Hazel, Piper, Aubrey, Nova; sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Danny) Waingarten, Patricia Halt, Connie (Tom) Taylor, Susan Mack (Danny Meyer); brother-in-law, Stephen (Vera) Mack; nieces, Anna Mack, Samara Meyer; nephews, David Waingarten, Rick Pettit, Joel Taylor, Simon Meyer and Jeremy Mack; cousins and friends.

He graduated from Madison High School, St. John Fisher College, attained a masters degree from SUNY Geneseo and a Ph.D. from University of Buffalo. He taught science at SUNY Brockport. He taught at Education Opportunity Center in Brockport. He served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Niagara Community College. He was Executive Director of the Dorothea Ross Foundation which funded children's causes worldwide. He owned Sumner Hans Records Management Company and Catskill Clear, a bottled water company.

He enjoyed many hobbies and interests including fly fishing, motorcycling, golf, student pilot, vintage radio, WWII memorabilia, physics, history and politics. An accomplished trumpet player, Wayne played in a myriad of bands and orchestras. He doted on the many rescue dogs fortunate to land in his care. Most of all, he was happiest being with his family. He had a great sense of humor. A bright light has been extinguished. He will be missed greatly. 

Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 16th from 12 Noon-1:30PM at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 2636 Ridgeway Avenue. Wayne's service will immediately follow at 1:30PM.

Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lollypop Farm or another animal shelter, or Hope Hall, 1620 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624