Robert C. Cook

Robert “Bob” C. Cook, 94, of Columbus, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and his favorite Irish music. Robert was born on Monday, July 14,1930 in Columbus, Ohio to J. Donald and Rose Teresa (Gatterdam) Cook. He graduated from Columbus Rosary High School in 1948 and from The Ohio State University with a Mechanical Engineering degree. Bob served his country during the Korean War as an Officer in the US Air Force.  Bob married Ruth Ann McCarthy on May 26, 1962, in Columbus, OH where they built their home and raised their five children.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Don and Ralph. Bob is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Kevin (Kimberly) Cook of Windermere, FL; daughter, Kathleen Cook of Boston, MA; daughter, Colleen Cook of Portsmouth, NH; daughter, Susan Cook, of Columbus; daughter, Julie Cook (Greg Pattison) of Powell; two granddaughters, Arla (John) Alexander and Ann Marie Cook; and four great grandchildren, Evie Grace, Addie Joy, Noah and Luke. 

Bob was a committed member of the St. Andrew faith community.  He cherished the opportunity to attend Mass faithfully with his wife and 5 kids in tow.  He also provided the opportunity for his kids to attend St. Andrew School and Bishop Watterson.

Bob will be remembered as an amazing husband and father; he devoted his life to supporting and loving his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Bob and Ruth were constant companions celebrating 62 years of marriage this past May.  He instilled the importance of family in everyone around him.  He maintained his infectious sense of humor and dry wit throughout his life.

Bob was a talented athlete who played basketball as a youth and remained involved in athletics throughout his life playing softball, basketball and football and ultimately finished his athletic career playing softball until he was 89.  After his quadruple bypass at 86, his first question to the doctor was “when can I start playing softball again”.

Bob and Ruth loved to travel.  They commonly retraced parts of their honeymoon trip through the Blue Ridge Parkway with favorite destinations of Gatlinburg, Louisville and Oglebay.  He also appreciated the family trips to celebrate their milestone birthdays with his favorite being his 80th birthday celebration in Ireland.

Thefamily wants to extend their sincerest gratitude to the amazing caregivers who cared for Dad like their own family.

All are welcome to join in a Celebration of Bob’s Life to be held Tuesday evening (July 30, 2024), from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Julie and Greg’s home, 8484 Deep Run, Powell, OH 43065.  A Visitation will also be held from 11:00 – Noon, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at St. Andrew Church (Upper Arlington), 1899 McCoy Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43220. Funeral Mass will be held at Noon on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at St. Andrews Church (Upper Arlington), 1899 McCoy Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43220, with Msgr. Stephan Moloney officiating.  Burial service will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery, 6440 High Street Lockbourne, Ohio 43137.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in memory of Robert be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter or The Central Ohio American Heart Association.

Cards or letters to Ruth recounting fond memories of Bob would be greatly treasured or feel free to share memories online through the Egan-Ryan webpage.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert C. Cook, please visit our floral store.