Steven Massey Cook, of Interlachen, Florida, passed away on May 3, 2022, one day before what would have been his 62nd birthday. He had been looking forward to retired life after his open heart surgery, but suffered complications and passed away in the hospital just 4 days after the operation with his loving wife, Lorraine, by his side.
Steve was born May 4, 1960 in Wellsville, NY to William C. and Dora (Stocking) Cook Jr, and was the middle child, growing up with two siblings, William D. Cook and Cheryl Cook.
Steve attended school in Wellsville, graduating in 1978. He was an avid soccer player, and was friends with everyone. He worked for his family’s carpet business for a number of years before working various construction jobs. He moved to Louisiana for a short while and worked in oil field related jobs before moving back to Wellsville.
He met Lorraine Burtchell in Wellsville in 1988 and they were good friends and eventually fell in love and decided to move together to Florida where Lorraine’s family lived in April of 1993. They bought a home in the country and had lots of furry and feathery friends including, rescue dogs, stray cats, chickens, rabbits, goats, and at one point a giant snake.
Steve and Lorraine finally decided to get married and did so in Hinsdale, NY on July 8, 1997. Although they never had children their life together was full.
Steve was great with plants, always bringing home cuttings to grow and enjoyed working in his flower and vegetable gardens. He enjoyed riding his Harley and going to the beach. He loved to fish, and would get out on the St. Johns River whenever he could. Steve was an expert griller/smoker and made the best ribs and brisket for the entire family.
Steve had recently retired from the University of Florida in Gainesville from a supervisory position in their maintenance department. He traveled an hour each way to go to work and was always on the lookout for homeless people who could use t-shirts, socks and other supplies he kept in his car to pass out.
He was easy going, fun loving, and enjoyed making people laugh. He will be forever remembered as a kind soul and giving person by all who knew him.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Burtchell) Cook of Interlachen, FL, sister Cheryl Cook of Elmira, NY, one uncle, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind so many great friends too numerous to name.
Per his wishes, Steve was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Atlantic Ocean. There will be a celebration of his life during the Class of 1978’s 45th Reunion, Saturday, July 15th 2023 4pm at the Wellsville Rod and Gun Club on Weidrick Rd.
If you’d like to honor Steve, we ask that you find some way to open your heart and help someone less fortunate than yourself, in whatever way you can.
