Gerald Lawrence Cook of Monmouth County, New Jersey passed away peacefully on May 28th, 2026 at the age of 85.
Gerald was born on December 29, 1940, to Geraldine (Howland) and Frederick Cook. He was the youngest sibling and is survived by his brother, Frederick Cook and was predeceased by his sister, Margaret (Cook) Koch. He is also survived by his beloved cousins, Maureen Carter, Susie Delaney, and Peggy Lelivelt.
Gerald was known by many names: Cookie to his closest family, Wawa to his loving nephews Robert and Stephen Cook, Uncle Jerry to his many nieces, nephews, and grandnephews, and Jerry to his friends. But the name he carried with the greatest pride was Professor Cook.
An undergraduate of Monmouth College and a master's graduate of Rutgers University and Monmouth College, Jerry’s career as an academic was his guiding light. He enthusiastically taught literature, writing, and film appreciation for more than 55 years. He inspired students at his alma mater, Monmouth College before moving on to teach at Brookdale Community College and Georgian Court University. In 1981, Jerry returned to Monmouth College, now Monmouth University, where he continued to teach through the Spring 2026 semester.
To his family and friends, Jerry will be remembered as a generous and eccentric gentleman whose presence was impossible to overlook. He was always impeccably dressed and unfailingly thoughtful. He never arrived without a gift in hand, a well timed joke or a story to share. His remarkable knowledge of literature and film wove into every conversation, and his enthusiasm for sharing it inspired all around him. His laugh was uniquely contagious and will be terribly missed.
The family would like to thank the community at large for looking after Jerry and showering him with kindness and attention. To the family he built at Monmouth University, there are no words to express how important you were to Professor Jerry Cook. Teaching and being part of the Monmouth community was his passion. His love of academia and for his students sustained him and gave him purpose. You grounded him and made his life meaningful. What more can a man ask for?
A thoughtful memorial for Jerry will be planned at a later date.
Comments powered by CComment