Sergeant First Class Henry Millard Cook Jr. (U.S. Army, Ret.), 76, born December 14, 1949, in Belfast, Maine, went to rest with his wife on September 7, 2026. He passed away at his home, where he resided with his daughter Elizabeth "Beth" Benner, her husband Tom Benner, three cute dogs whom he loved very much, and his cat, "Stump."

 

Henry grew up in Maine, where he decided to serve his country as a young man. He joined the Marines, serving for 4 years before spending the next 20 years in the United States Army—a total of 24 years of commitment traveling the world, including service in the Vietnam War.

 

Henry embraced life fully alongside his wife of 51 years, Patricia Jean (Horton) Cook, who predeceased him on March 28, 2019. During his military service and civilian life, Henry and his family traveled the world, living in Germany as well as parts of the Southern, Midwestern, and Eastern United States. Henry and his late wife enjoyed traveling, visiting family, going to casinos, and, in their younger years, visiting his old pals Rodney and JR in Florida and Georgia. His and Patricia's last trip together was to Las Vegas and Hoover Dam for their 50th anniversary.

 

An avid outdoorsman, Henry's favorite pastime was taking his boat out fi shing on Freedom Pond. He loved hunting, spending weekends browsing local flea markets, and regularly "donating" money to Hollywood Casino. One of his greatest honors during his Military service was being chosen to stand salute for the inauguration of President Ronlad Reagan. 

 

Henry is survived by his children: Beth Benner and her husband Tom of Swanville, along with their five children, Shannon, Robert, Carl, Johanna, and Zachary; Donna L. (Cook) Ward and her late husband Butch Ward of Swanville, along with her three children, Scott, Amber, and Justin; and his son Richard Cook and Misbah of Waldo, along with his children, Kaleb, Gregory, Bryton, and Savannah. He is also survived by his sister, Josephine Nickerson, her husband Donald, and their children; his brother-in-law whom he helped raise, Douglas Horton, his wife Tina, and their three daughters, Samantha, Alonia, and Christina; as well as his grandson, Gregory Cook, whom he helped raise. He leaves behind many great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

In addition to his beloved wife, Patricia, Henry was predeceased by his parents, Henry Sr. and Mildred ("Tillie"); his siblings Gary, Gail, and Diane; and his best pals, Dicky, Walter Hodgson, and Richard Pomeroy.

 

No matter how life goes day to day, your memory will be worn on our minds and in our hearts.

 

A celebration of Henry's life will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Riposta Funeral Home. Friends and family will gather from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the funeral home at which time Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Army and the Belfast VFW Post #3108. A BBQ will follow in Swanville at Beth and Tom's home.

 

Memories and condolences may be shared with Henry's family on his tribute wall.