April 7, 1906 (New York, NY) – September 15, 1944; 38 years old
Married to the former Vera A’Pelt (1918-2010) of Norwalk. She later married Pieter Van Horne of Norwalk.
Last local address: 35 Couch Street, Norwalk
Enlisted in April 1943
Service number: 191767
Unit: 1st Marine Division, 4th Joint Assault Signal Company
Born to Michael J. (1874-1952) and Mary Cooke (1871-1945). Two sisters, Mary A. Cooke Shea (1904-1989) and Catherine T. Cooke (1912-1996).
COOKE-Sgt, BERNARD JOSEPH. USMC Reserves., formerly of 1053 79th Street, Brooklyn was killed in action at Peleliu, Palau on September 15, 1944, while serving with the 4th Joint Assault Signal Company, beloved son of Michael and the late Mary Cooke; dear brother of Mary C. Shea and Catherine T.; devoted husband of Vera A’Pelt Cooke. Reposing at sister’s home, 9956 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Thursday from 2 p.m. Military services at 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Solemn Requiem Mass St Ephrem’s R.C. Church, 10 a.m. Friday. Internment with military honors at Calvary Cemetery, 49-02 Laurel Hill Blvd, Woodside, NY.
From The Tablet (Brooklyn) October 21, 1944
Sgt Bernard J. Cooke, USMCR, has been killed in action in the Pacific, according to advices received by his wife and mother on October 11. He went into service with the U.S. Marines in April 1943 and left for overseas in June 1944. He was born in Manhattan and moved to Brooklyn as a boy. He graduated from St. Michael’s School, Bay Ridge, and St. Leonard’s Academy. Before joining the Marines, he was employed with the Texas Company in New York. Sgt Cooke is survived by his wife, Vera A’Pelt Cooke of South Norwalk, Connecticut, his parents, Michael and Mary Cooke of 1053 79th Street, Brooklyn, and two sisters, Mary C. Shea and Catherine T. Cooke. Requiem Mass was celebrated at 11 o’clock Friday, October 20 at St. Ephrem’s Church, Fort Hamilton Parkway, and 75th Street, Brooklyn.
Sergeant Cooke is buried at 49-02 Laurel Hill Blvd, Queens, New York; Section 34, Range 7, Lot F, Grave 2. Photo from findagrave.com.
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