Carl Milton Cooke, age 82, of Wilson Borough, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on January 30th, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Easton, PA, Carl was the son of the late Stanton Cooke and Mary Hayes. He was a proud graduate of Wilson High School, Class of 1961, and remained deeply connected to the Wilson community throughout his life.
Carl dedicated more than 50 years of service to the Wilson Borough Fire Department, answering countless calls with courage, and commitment. In addition to his fire service, Carl worked for over 40 years at Acme Supermarkets before retiring. Never one to slow down, he later continued working at the Career Institute of Technology in Forks Township.
Carl was actively involved in a support group where he mentored and guided several people over the years. He had a special place in his heart for helping older folks and was always willing to lend a hand.
Carl was a devoted member of First United Church of Christ in Easton, PA, where his faith and fellowship were an important part of his life.
In his quieter moments, Carl found joy in gardening and taking pride in his yard. He was an enthusiastic fan of dirt track racing and NASCAR, rarely missing a chance to follow the sport. He adored his children’s dogs and often fondly spoke about his own childhood dog, King.
Carl is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Cooke; his sons, Mark Cooke and his wife Tara, and Stephen Cooke and his wife Jennifer; his five grandchildren, Erin, Leo, Chris, Nicholas, and Abby; his two great-grandchildren, Finnegan and Kaia; his sister-in-law, Irene Cooke, and her children, Kurt and Andrea Cooke, Suzanne Smith, Cynthia and Steve Super, Dan and Aimee Cooke, and many great nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered by the many friends, fellow firefighters, church members, and individuals he met throughout his life. Along with his parents, Carl was predeceased by his brother, John (Jack) Cooke.
Calling hours will be 10am to 12 noon on Thursday February 19, 2026 at The Finegan Funeral Home, 4080 William Penn Hwy, Easton, PA. A Memorial Service will be held immediately following the calling hours, at 12 noon, in the funeral home. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Carl’s legacy of service, compassion, and dedication to family and community will live on in all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carl’s name to the following,
Wilson Borough Fire Department Welfare Association (WBFDWA), 2041 Butler Street, Easton, PA 18042
Or
First United Church of Christ of Easton, 229 Church Street, Easton, PA 18042
Online Giving @ www.firstucceaston.org
Click on Give, then Donate, then scroll down to Memorial Fund. Note in memory of Carl Cooke
Our Info
Phone: 610.258.7021
