Desmond Patrick Cooke

COOKE, Desmond Patrick, passed 7/23/25.  

Born in Co. Roscommon, Ireland, June 1st, 1928.

In 1950, he emigrated to the USA, and, enlisted in the U.S. Army; Active Duty,(Berlin)until 1952; US ARMY reserves until 1957.

In 1953, he met the love of his life, Mary Ann (Maureen) Horan. They were married in Blessed Sacrament Church on October 11th, 1953.

(In 2013, Newsday featured Desmond and Maureen in Virginia Dunleavy's "A Love Story - The Girl With the Polka Dot Dress". )

Together, they raised 10 children in Flushing, NY before moving to St. James, LI. 

Desmond retired from Queens Transit (MTA) after a 31 year career as a Supervisor. A devout Catholic, Desmond served as an Usher with St. Mary's Nativity Church, Flushing, (1956-1992). 

Predeceased by his beloved Maureen, son-in-law Michael Adams, his parents, William and Mary, bothers Sonny, Willam, John, Anne, and beloved sisters Anne (Duffy) Pearl (Burke) and May (Neary) Desmond is survived by their 10 children, Kevin (Lara), Kathleen (Henry) Valerio, Eileen (Hector) Sepulveda, Mary (Andrew) Cooper, Sean (Maureen), Joan (Michael) Adams, Brian, Desmond (Tara), William (Kathy), Noreen, 15 grandchildren, Alanna, Conor, Brianna, Thomas, Una, Karina, Judy, John, Michael, Ryan, Stephen, Brendan, Liam, Aidan and Christina; and 5 great-grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to LISVH @ https://veteranshome.stonybrookmedicine.edu/donate

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