Obituary of Dale Maynard Cook

Dale Maynard Cook, Sr., age 81, who retired from the Navy in 1970 after a 24-year career, passed away at home in Herndon, VA, on 18 April 2009. Mr. Cook, born on 14 April 1927 in Cadillac, MI, entered the Navy in December 1945 and retired to the Fleet Reserve as a 'gold-striped' first-class Boatswain's Mate after several enlistments in 1970. Following his 24-year Navy career, Mr. Cook trained to be a chef, taught his skills as a Culinary Arts Assistant at Cape May (NJ) Vocational Training School between 1971 and 1973, worked in several dining establishments in the Cape May area prior to becoming a business owner with his wife, Mary, in 1978, when they purchased the 4 G's Restaurant (later Mary & Dale's) in Rio Grande, NJ. After selling the restaurant in 1995, Mr. Cook and Mary remained in North Cape May, NJ, until they relocated to Virginia in 2008. While living in North Cape May, Mr. Cook and his wife also owned the Saddic guest house in Cape, May, NJ. During his Navy career, Mr. Cook served in a variety of ships including the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) and was a 'Plank Owner' of USS SARATOGA (CVA-60). His cruises were in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and Mediterranean Sea. He was able to visit various countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and North America. He crossed the equator to become a 'Shellback', crossed the Arctic Circle to enter the Northern Domain of the Polar Bear and become a 'Blue Nose', and crossed the 180 th Meridian to enter the 'Realm of the Golden Dragon'. He was also present at the Bikini Atoll test. He is survived by his wife Mary J. (Saddic) Cook to whom he was married in June 1949. He is also survived by his two children Jan, Dale Jr., 4 grandchildren Janet, Jr., Bil, Jr., Michael, and Elizabeth, and 8 great grandchildren Jeremy, Jacob; Caitlyn, Bryce, Joshua, Sophia, William, III, and Adrienne. He was predeceased by his parents Elmer and Alma (Simons) Cook, his brother Denny, his sister Barbara, and one great granddaughter Alexandra. The family will receive visitors from 4 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, 23 April at Adams Green Funeral Home in Herndon followed immediately by a brief memorial service. The funeral service will be at 9:30 am on Friday 24 April at the Greek Orthodox Parish, 21580 Atlantic Boulevard, Building D, Unit 160 in Dulles . Interment is scheduled for Monday April 27, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Quantico Nantional Cemetery in Triangle Va.. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mr. Cook's name to Dormition of Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 1700 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA 22601