Paul D. "Cookie" Cook

Cook-Paul D. “Cookie”, 96, Belsano, was born April 9, 1924. From the comfort of his home, Cookie was called up to play baseball for the big leagues - the Angels - on Dec. 26. There he will be reunited with his biggest fan, Caroline, his wife of 65 years. Also present will be his parents, Steve and Bertha (Briskey) Cook and brother Francis Cook. Remaining behind here in the dugout are his son David “Cookie” (Donna) Cook and daughter Andrea “Cookie” (Frank) Mehalko. Grandchildren Frank (Deanna) Mehalko, Tresa (Justin) Gearhart, Sharon (Scott) Manning, Emily (Mike) Hegemann, Renee (Kyle) Fabin, four great grandchildren, and sister Pearl Kushel, Nevada. Thanks to his special care giver Linda, his nurses Sue and Amy “Inka”, Conemaugh Hospice, Dr. Donald Ratchford, Meals-on-Wheels drivers who brought more than just the meals, neighbors who did snow removal, provided garden grown goodies, put newspapers on porch and all their “watchful eyes”. Cookie was proud to have played for the Cambria County Industrial Baseball League and was a member of the Industrial League Old Timers Association. He was a coal miner all his life, a UMWA member for over 75 years, and a proud member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nanty Glo. A private visitation will be held for the family, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Those who feel comfortable are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Saturday, Jan. 2 at 11:00 AM. All those attending the mass are required to wear a mask. Bowser Ondriezek Funeral Home, Nanty Glo is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church.