William F. “Buzzy” Cooke, Jr of Wilmington, DE Passed away on February 17, 2026 after a long illness. Born in Wilmington, DE he was the son of the late William F. and Ruth Cooke.
A member of the first graduating class of the John Dickinson High School he went on to earn a Master’s Degree from the University of Delaware. He began his distinguished career as a teacher at Henrik J. Krebs Elementary School. Five years later he became the Principal of Richey Elementary School. He went on to serve as principal of Poplar Avenue, Lore, Baltz and Forest Oak, completing his tenure at Brandywine Springs where he retired in 2010.
Buzzy was a deeply committed Christian and lifelong member of Catalyst Community Church, formerly Bethany Baptist Church of Newport, DE. As a Deacon and Elder, he lived to serve his community and to share the gospel in the way that he lived his life. His favorite verse was Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gloria Aluise Cooke and 4 sons, Andrew Cooke (Jule), Garrett Colberg, Adam Cooke and Aaron Cooke (Faith) and grandson, William. He also leaves behind his sister Carolyn Benton and husband Duane as well as nieces and nephews.
Buzzy was blessed with a positive outlook on life and a “Gotta believe” attitude when it came to facing life’s adversities. Even though he had to give up driving when he became ill 2 ½ years ago, he made a bucket list with his sons and grandson and proudly completed it with their help. He loved those young men with all his heart.
He was deeply, deeply honored to have the William F. Cooke, Jr Elementary School named after him in 2013 and made every effort to support their students. He believed the best way to make a difference in a community was to find ways to serve those in need and he always found projects at each school to involve the students in some way. Whether he was helping to organize a community block party at his church, bringing food to those in need, serving on the board of Brandywine Red Clay Alliance or shooting hoops wherever he could find a basketball net he engaged with the people around him. He kept a small, hand written reminder on his dresser mirror, “ Be Happy For Others.”
He is already dearly missed by his wife and children, his extended family, his many friends and those who knew him. God has blessed those whose lives he touched.
On Friday, February 27, 2026 there will be time to pay your respects at 10:30 a.m.at Catalyst Community Church, 410 Denver Rd. Newport, DE 19804. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:30 a.m.
For those of you unable to attend there will be a live stream of the service at Catalyst302.com. You may also access directions and a recording of the service to watch at a later time at the same website. Following the service there will be a light lunch in the church social hall.
Burial will be private on another day.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to one of the following: Catalyst Community Church 410 Denver Avenue, Newport, DE 10808 Brandywine Red Clay Alliance 1760 Unionville-Wawaset Road West Chester, PA 19382 Urban Promise Wilmington 2401 Thatcher St. Wilmington, DE 19802 Sunday Breakfast Mission P.O. Box 352 Wilmington, DE 19899
For online condolences, please visit: mccreryandharra.com
