Terrence M. Cooke

TERRENCE M. COOKE, 73, of Ridgefield, died on December 15 after a long battle with cancer. Mr. Cooke was born on August 30, 1938 in Derby, the son of the late Thomas and Sophie Cooke. Raised in Ansonia, he graduated from the Assumption School, Ansonia High School, and was a 1963 graduate of Fairfield University. He served as Director of Relocation and Property Management for the Ansonia Redevelopment Agency, Executive Director for the Development Office of the Diocese of Bridgeport, the Citizens’ Action Council, and the Stamford Development Corporation where he provided technical and financial assistance to local non-profit sponsors of subsidized housing. In 1971 he founded Terrence Cooke & Company, Inc, a real estate management company and was a private consultant to many area housing sponsors, both non-profit and profit based. In 1989 the company became Phoenix Management Corp.

In 2004, Mr. Cooke was named “Man of the Year” by the State Street Debating Society, where he served terms as President and as Treasurer during his long membership. Mr. Cooke was an avid reader and collector of books, with a special love for the Civil War period and Abraham Lincoln. He was a true Renaissance man, whose talents ranged from piano to woodworking to clock repair. Mr. Cooke was a member of Cos Cob Rifle and Revolver Club, as well as the Ramapoo Rifle and Revolver Club in Ridgefield.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, the former Marcia Drew Baldwin of Ansonia and three sons, Thomas J. Cooke of Park City, Utah, Noel F. Cooke of Redding, CT, and Brendan J. Cooke of Baltimore, MD. Mr. Cooke is also survived by two brothers, Anthony F. Cooke of Scituate, RI, and Paul M. Cooke of Ansonia, and was predeceased by a brother, John P. Cooke of Ridgefield. In addition, he leaves four grandchildren, Aidan, Dylan, Carina, and Angus, and six nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 19, 2011 from 4-9 pm at The Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St. Stamford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 10 A.M. at The Basilica of St John the Evangelist 279 Atlantic St Stamford, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made In Terrence M Cooke's memory to State Street Debating Society Scholarship Fund c/o Craig Johnson 30 Glen Rd Ridgefield, CT 06877. Words of sympathy and comfort may be sent to the family at www.leopgallagherstamford.com