Jeffrey William Cook, Sr. Obituary (1964 - 2025)

CLINTON - Jeffrey William Cook Sr., 60, devoted husband of Judith (Champeon) Cook, died July 16, 2025, peacefully at home, with his soulmate by his side. He was born in Brunswick, Maine, on September 2, 1964, son to Reginald and Linda Cook. Jeff spent his childhood in Chittenden, Vermont attending Barstow Elementary School and then Proctor High School. Jeff enjoyed playing baseball with his father as his coach during his youth and then went on to play at Proctor High School as well as being a member of the x-country ski and track teams. Upon graduation, he signed up for the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 with the consent of his parents. He attended boot camp at the US Naval Station in Orlando, Florida. Upon his graduation he was stationed in San Diego, California, Norfolk, Virginia, as well as other locations for the U.S. Navy. He served on board the USS Enterprise and USS Independence aircraft carriers as a Navy Airman attending to the aircraft readiness when leaving the flight deck. He proudly served in Operation Urgent Fury during the invasion of Grenada and signed on for two more years to become an anti-submarine warfare technician, much to the dismay of his mother. After serving his country for six years, Jeff was honorably discharged, and he was incredibly proud to be a United States Veteran. He began a lifelong career in telecom/utilities in Rutland, Vermont for New England Telephone on the Test Board, and moved into the Outside Plant Construction world where he progressed to be a Senior Rated Outside Plant Technician. Jeff was widely respected throughout the New England District for his knowledge, skill, and his commitment to training and instilling his skills and work ethic into the upcoming lineman, many who became extended family to him. Jeff saw New England Telephone through four mergers: NYNEX, Bell Atlantic, Verizon, and Fairpoint. At the time of his passing, Jeff was a revered Telecommunications Supervisor for On Target Utility Services in Maine. Jeff garnered great respect amongst his crews and coworkers throughout the industry, who in his honor, will carry on the “Jeff’s way or the highway” approach. In addition to the pride he felt for his craft, he was proud of the home he and Judy built in Clinton, affectionately known as “The Farm”, his own little piece of heaven. He was always busy working on a project, cooking something delicious, hanging with the family and the dogs, gardening, or just entertaining in his garage, especially if it included the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, or NASCAR, and a few Bud Lights. Jeff had an affinity for camps and a great deal of very special memories for all they entailed whether it was Deer Camp or Moose Camp in Vermont, or The Hornet’s Nest on Sebec Lake in Maine. Jeff was predeceased by his parents and special mother-in-law Jean. D. Champeon. He is survived by his adoring life partner of twenty-one years and wife of ten years, Judy of Clinton; his three sons who he was extremely proud of, Jeffrey (Natalie and Wyatt) of North Carolina, Gavin of Colorado, and Dylan of Clinton; sisters Chris (Mike) and Tracy (Kevin) of Vermont, siblings by marriage, John (Lisa), Joe, Jane (Gary), very special father-in law Wayne of Maine, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. Jeff will be sadly missed by those who were lucky enough to be a part of his circle but fondly remembered for his endearing smile and affectionate hugs, you know who you are. A Celebration of Life, including military honors, was held at “The Farm” on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, where Jeff was put to rest on the family property in the Holt Cemetery, in his chosen spot to be able to watch the sunset every night, with those he loved so dearly.