Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Walter S. Cooke, age 84, of Wilmington, formerly of Somerville and Arlington, passed away unexpectedly on August 6, 2025, at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington.
Born on December 26, 1940, in Arlington, MA; Walter was the dear son of the late John and Delia (Cullen) Cooke. Walter was raised and educated in Arlington, MA and was a graduate of Arlington High School with the class of 1960. He continued his education at Northeast Regional Tech School and became a licensed plumber.
Walter went on to take a position as plumber for Tufts University in Somerville. Walter’s hard work ethic along with his endearing personality made him quite successful at his job throughout the years. Walter was always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done or help someone out no questions asked; he made many great friends with the students as well as his co-workers. Walter retired in 2007 following more than 30 plus years at Tufts.
In 1970, Walter married the “love of his life” Karen Bullen; the couple moved to Somerville where they welcomed and raised three wonderful daughters who were the apples of his eye. Walter showered his family with unconditional love and devotion; he looked forward to the times they spent together and always went out of his way to make their lives easier. When his daughters married, Walter was the first to welcome his sons-in-law and treat them as his own; his favorite role was later in life when he became “Grampa” to his eight grandchildren who he adored and loved to spoil.
Walter enjoyed many things in life including summers spent with family and friends at their home in Falmouth, “hanging out” with his brothers, Saturday night card games with his wife Karen and their friends and doting on his grandchildren. He looked forward to trips to Saratoga, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods just to “try his luck” and could be found buying his scratch tickets looking for that big score.
Walter was proud of his Irish Heritage; he and Karen took several trips to Ireland where they visited his relatives and got to see where his parents were raised. He loved everything about Ireland especially listening to the Irish music.
Walter also loved to follow his Boston sports teams; he enjoyed taking in a Red Sox game, but his favorite team was the Boston Bruins. Walter thoroughly enjoyed watching them in the playoffs and taking home the Stanley Cup many times throughout the years.
Walter will be fondly remembered as an all-around great guy; he was kind, sweet, lovable, and would help anyone in need. His love for his wife, family, and friends was evident in everything he did. Walter had a wonderful personality, a beaming smile, and a heart of gold; he will forever be loved and missed by all who knew him.
Walter was the beloved husband of 55 years to Karen A. (Bullen) Cooke of Wilmington, devoted father of Karolyn LeBlanc and her husband Darren of Wilmington, Kerry O’Brien and her husband Paul of Saugus, and Colleen O’Shea and her husband Trevor of Wilmington. Loving “Grampa” of Darren Jr., Kaitlin, and Patrick LeBlanc, Allison and Emma O’Brien, Ronan, Ciara, and Elena O’Shea. Dear brother of Thomas Cooke of Arlington, the late John Cooke, Francis Cooke, Catherine Silva, and William Cooke. He was a special uncle to Debbie Silva and Donald Silva. Walter is further survived by his large and loving extended Bullen brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are welcome to attend Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Sunday, August 10 th from 3:00-7:00 p.m. A Service to Celebrate Walter’s life will take place at the Funeral Home on Monday, August 11th at 10:30 a.m. followed by his interment in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 