Obituary of Raymond Edward Cook

Raymond E. Cook, 95, crossed over on March 8, 2020 in the comfort of his daughter’s home in Monson.
Ray was born August 21, 1924, he was the son of the late Joshua and Bertha (Cook) Crowther. He grew up in Enfield Ma. area of the Quabbin before moving to Bondsville, Three Rivers, Brimfield and Monson. Ray worked for the former Federal Paper Board (Caraustar) and drove bus for Palmer Motor Coach.
Ray is survived by his children Mary Lee Motter of Brimfield, Joanne Turner Chiacchia her husband Stephen of Three Rivers, Raymond H. Cook his wife Linda of Ware, Karen McNamara her husband Paul of Monson, James Cook his wife MaryJane of Longmeadow, and Richard Cook his wife Ana of Palmer. He also leaves two sisters Dorothy Crowther and Shirley Pierce. His grandchildren, David Mottor his wife Nancy, Edward Ashleigh and partner Laura, Jim Ashleigh his wife Sharon, Sarah Ashleigh, Scott Turner and partner Bonnie, Jeff Turner his wife Brenda, Joseph Chiacchia and wife Lori, Stephen Chiacchia, Dennis Cook, Sherry Kennedy and partner JR, Carrie Latulippe her husband Yvan, Robert Smigiel his wife Nicole, Stacy Hood her husband Michael, James Cook Jr. his wife Natasha, Christopher Cook his wife Vanessa, Christopher Dunn and wife Elizabeth, Michael Dunn, Lisa Dunn, Richard Cook Jr. his wife Joy. He also leaves 26 great grandchildren.
Ray was predeceased by his wife of over 50 years Marion, a daughter Barbara, and brothers Philip Crowther and Robert Crowther and a sister Mary Chapin.
Raymond Cook served in the Army during WWII from March 1943 until his honorable discharge in October 1945. During his service, Ray was a member of the U.S. Army Rangers before volunteering to join the First Special Service Force. The “Force” also known in as the Devils Brigade, was an elite military unit comprised of volunteers from the United States and Canada that was initially intended to target military and industrial installations that were critical in supplying materials used in the Axis war effort. Ray and surviving members of the Force were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony at the Capital on February 3, 2015. The Gold Medal was given to the Force in recognition of its superior service during World War II. PFC Cook participated in many battles throughout the war in North Africa, Italy and France and received two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained during combat. Other medals and citations Ray earned during his service included, The Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Norwegian Defense Medal.  
Services will be held at Beers & Story Funeral Home, Palmer. Calling hours will be Friday March 13, 2020, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Funeral service will be held on Saturday March 14, 2020 at 10:00 AM, Burial will follow in Four Corners Cemetery.
For those wishing donations may be made in his memory to: Holyoke Soldiers Home Activity/Recreation Fund, 110 Cherry St. Holyoke, Ma  01040.