Obituary of Claude R. Cook

Claude Robert Cook, 91, passed away peacefully in his home on April 9, 2025. He was born on October 8, 1933, in Cadosia, NY to Leo and Dorothy (Schlafer) Cook. He attended Cadosia Elementary School and graduated in 1951 from Hancock Central School where he loved playing football and excelled as 1st chair on trumpet.
Claude attended Cornell University School of Agriculture before serving 2 years in the US Army. It was during this time that he courted and married the love of his life, Norma Kille of Hancock. The two soulmates created a beautiful family with their 3 children.
Claude’s love of dairy farming began in his youth when he spent summers at his grandfather, Dan Schlafer’s farm in Rock Rift, NY. After his discharge from the Army, Claude managed his uncle, Wilber Clark’s farm in Delhi. Then in 1960, he began his long career at Prospect Farms as herdsman and soon after Manager of the big operation until his retirement in 1995. In 2016, Claude was recognized by the Delaware Co. Holstein Club for his years of service. In appreciation, his name was added to their Honor Roll.
Claude was a faithful and active member of the Stamford United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School, serving on Administrative Council and as Lay Leader. He later attended Harpersfield UMC and Margaretville UMC where he made wonderful friendships and served the Lord.
He was a fixture at Stamford Central School sporting events, especially basketball games, taking his family to every home and away game. He faithfully followed all his children’s and eventually grandchildren’s activities as a fanatical supporter.
For 32 years, Claude served on the school board for SCS, bringing his wisdom to the job of making the school strong while keeping taxes controlled.
Claude loved the Yankees, and the Giants, and was an avid reader. He kept a keen eye on the amazing progress at the Albano Farm where the family kindly and with great care showed him much respect as a veteran farmer.
Claude will be remembered for his wisdom, his friendship, his love of family and dedication to his community. He was hardworking, compassionate, a prayer warrior, and so proud of his family. He and his family are very thankful to his wonderful caregivers who helped make his last years comfortable: Diane Reed, Kelly Austin, & Katie Ryerson.
Claude is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Norma, his brother, Leo Cook and sister, Elsie Arcury. He is survived by his children Claudia (Keith) Bell of Baldwinsville, NY, Michael (Denise) Cook of Amsterdam, NY, and Donna (Walter) LeRoy of Stamford, his grandchildren Matthew (Grace) Bell, Sarah Elliott, Robert (Maggie) Cook, Allyson Cook, Elizabeth Bell, Michael (Tatiana) Auguste-Bell, James Bell, and John Bell, and his great-grandchildren Leorenzo Bell, Ethan Elliott, Isaiah Elliott, Remington Bell, Abigail Elliott, Michaela Cook, Zoey Cook, Odette Elliott and Georgio Bell.

Friends and relatives are invited to call from 10AM to 11:30AM on Friday, May 9, 2025 at the MacArthur Funeral Home, 15 Buntline Drive, Stamford, where a Celebration of Claude's Life will follow at 11:30AM. 

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the Cook family.