Richard L. Cook

Cook, Richard L., VMD “Dick” of Elmira, NY passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2016 following a brief struggle with cancer at the age of 85. Dick was the loving husband of 62 years to Esther (Purvis) Cook.They were high school sweethearts and his one & only love. He was born on October 19, 1930 to Myrtle (Griffin) and Ray Cook in Mansfield, PA.He graduated from Mansfield State Teachers College in 1954, after serving in the United States Army for two years.He continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.Dick established the Broadway Animal Hospital and provided exceptional veterinarian care to the local and area farm communities for over 40 years. In addition to his outstanding veterinary service, he was an active member of his Pennsylvania United Methodist Church and was a beloved friend and mentor to countless individuals.He developed great woodworking skills later in life and shared his passion and precision creating works of art. He is survived by his dear wife, Esther (Purvis) Cook; 3 children, Richard Gregory (Maureen) Cook of Elmira NY, Lisa (John) Sweeney of Shortsville NY, and Jeffery (Tina) Cook of Shortsville, NY.Dick was the loving grandfather to 7 grandchildren, Andrew Blake (Kaila) Cook, Jordan Thomas Cook, Allie Nicole Cook, Erin Ashley Sweeney, Kelsey Lyn Sweeney, Christopher Richard Cook and Kathryn Rae Cook.He is predeceased by his parents and brother and sister in law Morgan and Ruth (Woodward) Cook of Mainesburg, PA. Dick is survived by his younger brother and sister in law Gary and Linda (Crittenden) Cook of Berryville, VA. Dick will be remembered as a wonderful husband, loving father and grandfather, dear friend and devoted veterinarian.Family and friends are invited to call Thursday, March 24, 2016, 1:00PM to 3:00PM and 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY 14904. Funeral and committal services will be held there at 10:30AM on Friday, March 25, 2016.Graveside Services will remain private at the Woodlawn Cemetery. Dick's guestbook may be signed at www.olthof.com.