PEABODY - Robert Lester Cook, 84, of 12 Abington Ave in Peabody, Massachusetts, beloved husband of Loraine Cook, passed away June 12 after a period of failing health at Beverly Hospital.

He was born on April 10, 1932 in Ipswich, Mass., the son of Harold and Lucy Cook. He graduated from Ipswich High School in 1949 and enlisted in the U.S. Army that same year when he was just 17 years old.

Following basic training at Fort Dix, N.J., Robert completed the Army's photography school. He was stationed in Germany for several years. One of his first assignments was as one of the Army photographers who chronicled then - Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. He also served in Korea during the tail end of the Korean War in 1953 and during the Vietnam War as a combat photographer and First Sergeant of the 221st Signal Company. Robert served his country with distinction and was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and other awards. He retired from the service in 1971 after 23 years.

In 1964, he married Franziska Geiger and they had two sons, Robert, that same year, and Steven in 1968. During the 1970's, Robert raised his family in Peabody and Rowley.

In 1983, Robert married his wife of 33 years, Loraine (Wright) Cook. The couple resided in Peabody, Massachusetts. Robert was a jack-of-all-trades and enjoyed woodworking, painting, building RC model boats. He dabbled in computers and even wrote an autobiography. He was an avid reader and history buff, especially concerning World War II. Most of all, Robert enjoyed spending his time with Loraine and Robert's eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Loraine Cook, two sons, Robert, and his wife, Mary Cook of South Berwick, ME and Steven, and his wife, Karen Cook of Plainville, MA, step-children Donald Patscheider Jr. of Hampton, NH, Jodie Patscheider-Martin of Harrison, ME and Dorothy Levesque of Salem, MA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lindsey (Levesque) Byrnes and her husband, Taylor Byrnes of Reading, MA, Joseph Levesque of Salem, MA, Axel and Jed Patscheider, of Hampton, NH, Shelby and Mallory Martin of Harrison, ME, Elizabeth Cook of Plainville, MA, Patrick Cook of South Berwick, ME, great grandchildren Isla, Hallie and Weston Byrnes of Reading, MA, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The Cook family also wishes to extend thanks to their extended family Laura, Rachael, Victoria, Kellye, and Butch Couillard.

He is predeceased by four brothers, Richard, Elmer, Joseph and John Cook, a sister, Margaret Cook and son-in-laws Bernard Martin and Joseph Levesque.

Arrangements - A Memorial service will be held at the Peterson O'Donnell Funeral Home in Danvers, Mass., 167 Maple St., (Route 62) on Saturday, June 18 at 12:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com .