John P. Cookson

On the evening of October 9, 2025, John Phillipe Cookson of Woodstock, MD passed away peacefully at the age of 85. John was born in Peekskill, NY to Irene and Edmund Cookson in January 1940. After serving in the Navy in Vietnam, he earned his Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Catholic University and worked as an engineer for the National Library of Medicine and the Library of Congress’s Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

John’s hobbies reflected his interest in lifelong learning and exploration. He loved playing the trumpet, an instrument he picked up when he turned 50 after watching son Mike learn. His other passion was backpacking with his sons.

John is survived by Donna, his beloved wife of 58 years; his sons Michael, Timothy, and Joshua; and his grandchildren Connor, Chayse, Penelope, and Carson.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, October 21st at Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City, with burial and reception to follow at St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Cemetery and Hall in Woodstock, MD.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Apostleship of the Sea of the Archdiocese of Baltimore at: Archdiocese of Baltimore C/O Apostleship of the Sea 320 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201

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