Richard was a brilliant man who started with nothing except his wits and built a successful career in the oil business in PA.
He read voraciously; worked in small town theatre and arts groups; became a leader in many political, community-based, and charitable organizations.
He was mostly self-educated and instilled the value of learning in all of his 10 children. He made lasting, strong friendships wherever he lived including Oil City, PA; Warren, PA; Clearfield, PA; and Butler, PA.
Many will greatly miss his smile, his energy, and his love.
He is survived by his loving companion Patricia Forcht and his children, Nancy Cook Lawson, Richard J. Cook Jr., Alisa J. Cook, Jeffrey M. Cook, Diana M. Lesko, Ashley B. Cook, Allen B. Cook, Andrea B. Cook, Andrew B. Cook and Arec B. Cook.
Grandchildren surviving include Melissa Ciko, Gabriel Racz, Johannah Racz, Reilly Taylor-Cook, Bradley Cook, Alex Cook, Morgan Lesko, Cora Davis, Loren Davis, Drew Davis, Angus Cook, Allister Cook as well as great-grandchildren.
Richard’s many accomplishments and associations include:
- Past member, Clearfield Chamber of Commerce
- Past board member, Clearfield YMCA
- Co-founder and charter member, Clearfield Junior Chamber of Commerce
- Past board member, Clearfield United Fund, Clearfield Salvation Army, Clearfield Rotary Club and past vice president, Clearfield Rotary Club
- Participated in Old Town Players Club in Clearfield
- Life member, BPOE 540 Clearfield
- Member, Lodge 0006 Clearfield American Legion, Clearfield-Curwensville Country Club, Dubois Country Club, Phillipsburg Country Club, Wenango Country Club, Oil City, Twin Lakes Country Club (WI)
- Former lodge member, Freemasons Lodge #241, Wilmot (WI)
- Former member, Jaffa Shrine, Altoona and Clearfield
State and national distinctions include:
- Member Board of Directors, PA Petroleum Assoc.
- Administrative Vice President, PA Junior Chamber of Commerce,
- National Director of Public Relations, US Junior Chamber of Commerce
- Founder and Charter President, Central PA Petroleum Assoc.
- Member and honorary coach, Penn State Nittany Lion Club
Richard was preceded in death by two brothers Thomas and Jack and by a sister Jeanine
A viewing will be held from 12:00 noon until 2:00 P.M.on Saturday, February 4 at St. Francis Church in Clearfield, PA, with additional visitation from 12:00 noon until 12:45P.M. on Monday, February 6 at Reinsel Funeral Home in Oil City.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 P.M. Monday in St. Stephens Catholic Church in Oil City.
Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens in Cranberry.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 211 S. Second St Clearfield, PA. 16830.
Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com