Paul Cook, 60, son of the late Bernard and Helen Cook, passed away July 8, 2020, at his home in Loxahachee, FL. He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years Natalia, and her children Eric Perna of Delray Beach, FL; Ilana Perna Otey of Westwood, MA; and Adam Elias of Watertown, MA. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Maureen,Gerry, Bernie, Debbie, and Joe Cook. He was the uncle with the biggest heart to many nieces and nephews.
As a child in South Boston, Paul enjoyed going with his siblings to N Street Beach and taking family trips to Hampton Beach. He graduated from Somerville High School in 1978 and was involved with Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) at Saint Ann Parish. He went on to attend Bunker Hill Community College, graduating in 1980.
Paul saw things all the way through from start to finish, whether it was building scooters or go-karts (one of many reasons for his nickname, “Captain Crash”) or his successful business Divine Signs, which he opened in Somerville in 1999. Named for the divine intervention he experienced through the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, the business was a result of his creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, self-education, and hard work.
Paul loved to dance and vacation in warm places. He also loved animals, especially his miniature Doberman Pinschers, ducks, geese, and chickens. He was an avid New England Patriots fan and went to three of their Super Bowls.
Incredibly compassionate and generous, Paul was a loyal friend. He cared deeply for those around him and gave of his time and resources to help anyone in need. He was known to have played a fabulous Santa at many fundraisers and holiday visits to friends’ and relatives’ homes. We lost him too soon, but he impacted many during his time with us, and we will never forget his warm heart and free spirit.
A remembrance mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at St. Ann Church, 399 Medford St, Somerville, MA 02145. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, MA. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.