Birth date: Mar 5, 1964 Death date: Mar 5, 2026
Albert H. Cook Jr., age 62, of Millville, Delaware, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 5, 2026. Albert, lovingly known as “Butch,” was born on March 5, 1964, in Chester, Pennsylvania. He was a proud graduate of Claymont Read Obituary
In honor of you, Butch, I decided to procrastinate on posting this tribute… which honestly feels like something you’d fully approve of. Not really—I just didn’t want to cry again. But today’s the day we say goodbye to one of the best friends we ever had.
I met Butch in high school, and he introduced me to his cousin Bob. That was my official initiation into the family—lucky me! From there, the memories just piled up, and I don’t even know where to start.
Butch was laid back. And I don’t mean “chill.” I mean laid back. You could show up at his place ready to head out at a specific time, and he’d come strolling down the stairs in his bathrobe, coffee in hand, like he was starring in his own slow‑motion commercial. Needless to say, we were not on time very often. But honestly? It never mattered. We always ended up having a blast.
We went to so many Heart concerts—Ann Wilson was one of his absolute favorites. We spent hours driving around Claymont in that baby blue Granada, bowled Friday nights at Holiday Lanes, hung out with his sister Shirley and the whole family, and played cards with his best friend Joe until the early morning hours. I truly don’t think I’ve ever laughed as much as I did when we were with him. And if Butch was teasing you? That was his love language. The more he teased, the more he cared.
Fast forward to Butch becoming a dad. He’d join our family vacations in Bethany Beach, and I swear I never saw him move so fast as when he was chasing Matt around. That man could hustle when he had to—who knew?
When we moved to the beach about 20 years ago, we reconnected regularly. He introduced us to his “sister from another mister,” Lisa and her family, at what had to be the best Halloween party we’ve ever attended—hosted by him and Karen. We didn’t just have fun; we gained new friends and more family that would last a lifetime. And of course, Butch never did anything small. The artist in him always came out—whether it was his Halloween costumes (I’m still hunting for those Little Red Riding Hood photos), or his cooking. And God forbid you didn’t have parsley for the finishing touch. It might have taken all afternoon to make, but that potato salad of his? Legendary!
When he moved back up north, he still spent many summer weekends with us. We’d spend our days at the beach or at Lisa’s pool, and we took vacations together—memories that will stick with us for life. The laughter with Butch was always real, always loud, and always exactly what you needed.
I could go on and on—and trust me, I could write a book—but I’ll leave it at this: Butch, you were loved more than you ever knew. We will miss you terribly. And I’m sure you already have everyone who went before you laughing 24x7.
Until we meet again… Buh‑byeeee. Love you.
Chris & Bob Kushto
Butch gave me a wonderful, caring, down-to-earth son who is always there for his family and friends and I appreciate how involved you were in his life. His love of travel comes from you taking him on trips at a very young age. I am sorry that you won't be able to enjoy the trips that you planned for Matt, Sarah, Callie, Marli and Grady. You loved taking your photos! Matthew is very nostalgic like you and I love that.
He loves to cook just like you and I know you loved seeing him cook! He loved seeing you cook on the Weber grill he got you for Father's Day last year. He beams when he talks about you and loved spending time with you. He was so proud to help you in any way he could.
We have co-parented Matt and thankfully we stayed friends.
I would have never believed you would leave us so soon. I promise we will keep your memory alive with Matt and our grandchildren.
I know you are at peace now with your parents. Rest in peace, Butch.
"Byeeeeeee"
Butch's death hits hard- our lives will be dimmer without him in it. Most of my time spent with Butch was when I was a little girl- he was my older teenage cousin (8 years between us). Aunt Peggy, Uncle Al, Shirley, and Butch were our neighbors in Brookview Apts. for many years and from time to time Aunt Peg would babysit me at her home. When she needed a break from watching me, she would send me off to find Butch, who would be up in his bedroom, lava lamp flowing, listening to his album collection, or picking on his harpsichord. He was a good sport and welcomed me into his 'lair' and I felt like the cool kid by association. I loved those times! Butch and Shirley would tan for hours in the summertime, slathering on the baby oil while laying on those tri-folding striped plastic lounge chairs. Butch was always hanging out with his buddies and pranking people and cracking jokes- loved his giggles and laughs! Seeing him all dressed up for Prom totally blew my mind- I thought he was so handsome and he and his date looked like royalty to me. I remember running into my house to grab my camera while everyone was snapping photos of them! I haven't seen Butch as often as I would have liked as we've gotten older, but he's always been so kind to me and my family- asking about me and my kids, with genuine care. I treasure my time spent with him. My deepest condolences to family and friends who are mourning Butch's loss. I love you, Butch and am gonna miss you a ton.
My love (and tears), Cherie
The coolest Uncle in the world. That was my Uncle Buck...more like a big brother, my entire life.
I feel so blessed to have so many memories...im beyond broke knowing there will be no more.
To name a few, from seeing Journey at 8 to seeing Reba, Heart, Rascal Flatts, you fueled my love for live music. From the Philly Zoo, Disney World, Mexico, even a stunt plane that broke down in a field, you always made every outing exciting, hilarious, and unforgettable.
You have always been there, making me feel special and loved beyond words. You are the epitome of "that favorite uncle"
From the birth of both my children, every Halloween (especially if make up was involved), Thanksgiving, Christmas, SuperBowl, St Patrick's Day, it didnt matter as long as you were involved it was an unforgettable time, etched in my heart.
Im beyond distraught, heartbroken and hurt that none of us got to say goodbye and made sure you knew how much you meant to us.
My sweet Uncle Buck, I will eternally love you and express gratitude that I had you in my life from the first moments on.
You are loved beyond words, I cant express how incredibly special you are to me and my heart will mourn you the rest of my days.
I pray you're at peace, and that you'll save me a spot at the picnic table when my time comes
I love you Uncle Butchie, thank you for the endless memories. Ill cherish them the rest of my days
Love, Chrissy
It still seems unreal that you are not here with us. From the first time I met you on the way to Six Flags NJ, you welcomed me with open arms. One of the 1st stories I was told about is how you traumatized Rob with the Exorcist movie and hiding in his room, he forgave you eventually, and we even named one of our daughters Reghan. (By the way, she always tells us she wants to change her name) We always had the best time whether we were cruising, spending time on the beaches in Rehoboth, the air shows in OC, weekend visits at home, and the week in the Pocono's. The laughs were non-stop, especially with the Monday mustache gang. Riley's 1st Christmas you made sure she had a silver spoon and it is still here with us. The kids always enjoyed spending time with you. The kids use to talk about those camping trips with you, Karen, and Matthew. Rob will always remember getting to see Fleetwood Mac with you in Baltimore, he couldn't wait to surprise you with that trip. I still hear about what an amazing concert it was. We will miss your random text, and memes, but will miss being with you even more. We love you, and hope you are resting peacefully. Until we meet again....Love you, Rob, Jenn and family
We shared so many beautiful memories together, our love for Disney, Halloween Horror Nights, Cruises, our love of family and friends. Butch always made people laugh, made you feel like you knew him forever (even if you just met) and was so good hearted. Condolence to the family and friends of Butch. He will forever have a place in our memories and hearts. Shared some pictures of memories (hope some don’t mind they are in the shared photos).
Thanksgiving. Wow. Butch was an amazing chef. Everything was perfect. First time I met Butch made me feel as if I had known him forever.
You will be missed my friend.
Butch was an Awesome Dude! He will be missed terribly 😞! 💜
