Edward Williston Cook, Jr.

Born December 9, 1930 in Medford, MA, Ed was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. A dashing and chivalrous savant, he will be missed by family and friends alike.

Ed graduated from Tufts University in 1954 with a degree in Political Science and shortly after enlisted in the US Army in the Army Counterintelligence Corps. As a member of Army Counterintelligence in the 207th CIC Detachment, he spent three years in Stuttgart and various cities in western and eastern Germany supporting allied intelligence causes at the outset of the Cold War. Always proud of his military service, he was fluent in German and enjoyed peoples and cultures from around the world and would frequently celebrate their cultures and greet them in their native tongues.

He had a varied career in international sales and consulting beginning in New York City and Boston before moving to California in 1966 and undertaking a variety of entrepreneurial ventures, ultimately concentrating on estate planning and insurance for the past 30 years as founder of the Sterling Organization.

His greatest love other than his wife and family was his thirst for knowledge. He studied and loved history, particularly WWII history, which included giving talks on a number of national security threats from the Cold War. Ed was an active tennis player throughout his life and loyal member of the American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 where he loved to dance with his bride and share memories with fellow veterans. He was a devoted grandfather as well, never missing his grandchildren’s sporting events and school functions.

Ed is survived by his devoted wife and lifelong mate of 61 years, Virginia H. Cook, together with his daughter, Cynthia M. Cook and son, Edward W. Cook III and daughter-in-law Karen and their four children, Kabele E. Cook, Edward W. Cook IV, Prescott A. Cook and Conrad D. Cook. He is survived by three siblings, Beatrice E. Perkins, Nelson S. Cook and Donald R. Cook following the passing of his brother Leonard P. Cook in 2013, as well by many cherished nieces and nephews.

His memorial will be held at Pacific View Memorial Park in Newport Beach at 10am on November 26, 2021 at 3500 Pacific View Dr. Corona del Mar followed by a reception at the American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 in honor of United States veterans.