On August 26, Kooks founder George Kryssing Sr. “Papa Kook” passed away after a long fight with heart disease at the age of 75. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Carol Ann Kryssing “Mama Kook” and their daughters Keri Clark and husband Christopher Clark Sr., Laurie Kryssing, Carol Ann Kryssing, son George Kryssing Jr. “Kook Jr.”, and wife Danielle Kryssing. Papa Kook had 10 wonderful grandchildren he loved dearly: Christopher Clark Jr. and wife Danielle Clark, Joseph Clark, Keri Lynn Clark, Rene Hartig, James Ettlinger, Jillian Ettlinger, William Kryssing, Raymond Kryssing, Jessica Kryssing, and Georgia Kryssing as well as one beautiful great-grandchild Lilyana Clark and one on the way. He is also survived by one brother, one sister, six nieces/nephews, and like a daughter Debbie Barbieri and her daughter Natalie.
Born in Bellerose, NY in 1940, “Papa Kook” started his professional career as a milkman. He loved racing and was a pioneer in the automotive & performance industry creating headers, exhaust, and performance parts. In 1962 he founded Kooks Custom Headers a leader in the marketplace manufacturing high quality, high performance headers and exhaust in stainless and mild steel. In 2009 Papa Kook moved the business to Statesville, NC. Today Kooks Headers & Exhaust is led by his son, CEO and President, George Jr. “Kook Jr.”, daughter-in-law Danielle Kryssing, and grandson Christopher Clark Jr.
“Papa Kook” is leaving behind a legacy of three generations that will carry on his vision of providing for his children and his children’s children.
Mass will be at St. Phillip the Apostle Catholic Church 525 Camden Dr., Statesville, NC 28677 on Saturday, August 29th, at 11:00am.
Viewing will be at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home 705 Davie Ave., Statesville, NC 28677 Saturday, August 29th, from 2:00pm-5:00pm and from 7:00pm-9:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that all memorials be directed to: Iredell County Open Your Heart Campaign, 7029 Albert Pick Rd Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27409. Memorial gifts can also be made online at: http://iredellncheartball.heart.org under the Open Your Heart tab.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
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