Mr. Edward Joseph Cook, 97, of Middletown, passed away Saturday January 10, 2026 at Middlesex Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Derby, Ed graduated from The Pine Manual Training School in Ansonia as salutatorian before serving in the United States Air Force as a Tactical Instructor at Sampson Air Force Base in NY for 4 years. During that time, he married the love of his life at Assumption Church in Ansonia and they have been happily married ever since.

After being honorably discharged from the service as a Staff Sergeant, they returned to CT, and Ed started working at Pratt & Whitney, where he remained a dedicated employee until his retirement as an engineer almost 40 years later. Ed was an active member of Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Middletown for over 60 years. He was honored with an award from the church in 2019 for all of his contributions over the years and his involvement in the Parish Council. Ed was also an active member of the CT G-Scalers garden railway club in his retirement, and he enjoyed spending time expanding his own backyard garden railway for all to enjoy.

Ed always made sure his life with his wife was full of adventures - square dancing, skiing, road trips, vacationing in Aruba, and their never-ending crafting - these two were a force to be reckoned with.

Out of all the titles Ed held throughout his life, his favorite title was "Poppy". Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his children and grandchildren and teaching them how to use his workshop tools. He lit up at every opportunity to help anyone with a project, and he always spoke proudly of everything he made. There was nothing Poppy couldn't fix.

Ed is survived by his wife of almost 74 years, Anamarie Cook (Pantalone); his three children, Lisa (Tom) Howard of Plano, TX; Lon Cook of Middletown; Laurie (John) Tuttle of Durham; his six grandchildren, Justin (Evelyn) Howard, Chelsea Tuttle, Elise Howard, Emily (Nicholas) Sugg, Sean Howard, and Dillion Howard; his great-granddaughter, Daisy Howard; and several nieces and nephews. Survivors also include his siblings, Maureen Ryan, J. Francis (Caroline) Cook, Robert Cook, and Ronald Cook, who all considered him a great big brother. He was predeceased by his sister Judith Koproski.

Calling hours are on Tuesday, January 20 from 5-7pm at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. The Funeral Liturgy will be held at St Francis of Assisi Church at 9am Wednesday, January 21, with burial to follow at the State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.