John Sidney Cook

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of John Sidney Cook, lovingly known as “Jack” to family and friends, age 85, of Toms River, New Jersey. Jack passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, surrounded by his family, after a courageous and difficult battle with cancer.

Born on October 10, 1940, in Montclair, New Jersey, Jack was the son of George and Marie Cook. He graduated from Verona High School, Class of 1958, and went on to build a long and fulfilling career as a driver for Clayton Concrete, where he worked for 45 years. In 1962, Jack married his beloved wife, Barbara Gail Dankowski, and together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, raising two children and creating a lifetime of cherished memories. They especially enjoyed walking the boardwalk and spending time on the beautiful beaches of the Jersey Shore.

Jack was known for his strong work ethic, his remarkable ability to fix just about anything, and his unwavering devotion to his family, whom he always put first. His greatest passion was the game of golf. For more than 30 years, Jack played daily at Bey Lea Golf Course and, more recently, at Forge Pond Golf Course. Over the course of his golfing years, he proudly achieved two hole-in-ones—in 2010 and another in 2020.

Jack took immense pride in his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara Gail Cook; his children, Sherri Lynne Lunney, Todd Michael Cook and his wife, Kristen; his grandchildren, Shannon Lunney, Kaitlin Lunney, Jonathan Lunney, Paul Lunney, Emily Cook, and Adam Cook; and his great-granddaughters, Lily Matos and Violet Marcus. He also leaves behind his loving extended family, dear friends, and cherished golf buddies. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Gerald Cook and David Cook.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ - JerseyShoreCremation.com