In Memory of
RODNEY PAUL COOK

August 11, 1953 - May 24, 2014


Rod was born in Terre Haute, Indiana and spent his youth there. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1970 at the age of 17 and stayed in the service for 10 years. He was a Drill Instructor at Paris Island, trained Marine Reserves at Fort Schuyler in the Bronx, N.Y. and managed the Armory and was in charge of Small Arms Repair at the Fort. He achieved Expert Marksman Status. Rodney received National Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Rod was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as an E-6 Staff Sergeant.

Rod worked at many jobs after the service including truck driver and maintenance man for a Sheet Metal Shop. He went to Beauty School and became Manager of Glimby Beauty Salon in John Wanamaker Store. He became a self taught photographer and worked at Davis Studios, Bronx Times Reporter, Gannett Westchester Newspapers and the Bronx Press Review.

Rod worked for John Masiello for over 20 years until the day he took ill. He drove a limousine for airport runs, Atlantic City, and proms. He worked for JAM Construction first and then Country Club Marble & Tile doing carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, grass sodding, roofing, gutters, insulation and anything else John needed.

Rod was Carol's right arm around the house, gardener , any needed repairs, cook, chauffeur, hair dresser, exterminator, medical consultant, etc.

During his spare time, Rod studied and mastered playing the guitar and singing. He volunteered his talents to Betmar Community in Zephyrhills, Florida for fund raisers and also did shows for the AARP and Red Hat Society. He did several fund raisers for Michael Benedetto, US Assemblyman and Chairman of the Board of Veteran Affairs. He enjoyed a good cigar occasionally and his favorite pipe and tobacco. An occasional glass of wine was also appreciated. He made 5 beautiful wood carvings completely by hand, 4 of which are displayed proudly in Carol's apartment. He read the Bible from cover to cover and it was probably one of his favorite books. He recently became interested in sketching and from there he learned oil painting and enjoyed that immensely. Rod was very interest in writing and read many books on the subject. He kept a daily journal.

Rod is survived by his long time soul mate and best friend, Carol Masiello, Carol's daughter Jodi Masiello, Carol's son John, Marlene and Johnny Masiello, brother Rick, Cathy & Patrick McDaniel of Terre Haute, Indiana and daughter Amy Pierce, granddaughters Chelsea and Emma Pierce also of Terre Haute, Indiana

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