Norman Craig Cook Sr.

Norman Craig Cook, Sr., was born in 1951 in New Orleans to the late Norman Cleveland Cook and the late Evelyn Kirkland Cook. He grew up in Metairie, Louisiana, and graduated from Sam Barthe School in 1969. He went on to attend the University of New Orleans and Tulane University.

Craig began his insurance career in 1973 and spent the next 53 years building a career founded on trust, relationships, and a genuine commitment to the people he served. He was a respected and trusted insurance broker with several companies throughout his career, most recently with Acrisure Insurance Company.

That same year, Craig married Jeanne Gibbens Cook, beginning a 53-year marriage filled with family, laughter, and countless memories. Together, they raised three children: Jennifer Vaccaro (Nick), N. Craig Cook, Jr. (Jamie), and Christopher Ryan Cook (Steffany). Craig took great pride in his family and was a proud grandfather to Nicolas Vaccaro, Jr., Emily Vaccaro, Porter Cook, Mary Morgan Cook, Leo Cook, and Isla Cook.

Craig lived life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a wonderful sense of humor. His interests and hobbies were far too many to mention, but included hunting, fishing, music, photography, traveling, and cars.

But more than any hobby or accomplishment, Craig will be remembered for the joy he brought to others. He had an extraordinary gift for storytelling and a sense of humor like none other. He could make people laugh with a story, a quick comment, or simply by being himself. His laughter, stories, and larger-than-life personality brought happiness to countless people, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Craig is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Cook Gardner (Dr. Philip), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.

Services will be private in accordance with Craig’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either The Angelman Syndrome Foundation https://angelman.org/ 3015 E. New York Street Suite A2 #285 Aurora, IL 60504 or The Northshore Humane Society https://www.northshorehumane.org/ 20384 Harrison Avenue Covington, LA 70433