David Cook

David Cook was born May 9, 1953 and died April 18, 2026, but the life he lived in between those two dates was full of love, success, and enjoyment.

He grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana, son to Virgil & Maxine Cook, with 4 siblings: Jo Ann, Vickie, Janice, and Michael. He graduated in the Wiley High School class of 71 with his twin sister, Janice. He served in the United States Air Force, 3704 Squadron, spending a few years in Japan before coming back to New York City, where he became a successful professional photographer. He set trends in still life photography that attracted major magazines to work with him for decades. It was his time in photography that led him to meet his beloved wife, Jody, who was a stylist.

David and Jody married in 1990 and have shared a wonderful life together for the last 40 years. He was a devoted husband who would do anything for his wife he loved so much. They owned beautiful property in upstate NY where they built cabins on the lake and invested in the community. After full weeks working in the city, they would spend weekends enjoying their peaceful retreat where they also hosted family and friends throughout the years. When David was diagnosed with cancer the first time and successfully treated it, he splurged on an Aston Martin and had so much fun taking people for rides through the winding roads of the Catskills. He loved fast cars, playing tennis, and watching sports, especially his NY Yankees.

After retirement, Jody and David moved to Florida and bought a beautiful home on the Gulf Coast. David’s cancer came back to stay, so they split time in Jacksonville at Mayo Clinic, where they built a beloved community as well.

No matter the relationship, David wanted to take care of the people he loved. He was kind, generous, thoughtful, and brave. Though modest, he was very accomplished and his strength was immeasurable. David wouldn’t be David without also pranking or joking with those he loved with a sparkle in his eyes and a mischievous grin.

He will be deeply missed by all who love him.