Anthony “Tony” Ray Cook, 85, passed away peacefully on February 25th, 2026, at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his beloved wife by his side. Tony was born on June 16th, 1940, in Washington D.C. to Percy and Eugenie Cook. During his childhood, his family moved to Mineral, Virginia where he spent most of his early years.

Tony was the first Eagle Boy Scout in Mineral, and loved exploring the dense Virginia woods, where his sense of adventure and curiosity for the world began. After graduating from Louisa Country High School in 1958, he joined the United States Air Force and was deployed to Athens, Greece, where he notably shared a dance with Princess Sofía of Spain. Tony concluded his military service in Roswell, NM before beginning a career in finance and later moving to Texas.

In 1973, Tony and his family settled in Albuquerque, NM where he began his successful and longstanding career in the automotive and advertising industries. In 1987, Tony and his wife Charmaine moved to North Carolina. Inspired by his lifelong love of cooking, he opened a restaurant on Lake Norman. After closing the restaurant, Tony established an insurance agency, a career he continued until his retirement.

Though Tony achieved success in many areas of life, nothing meant more to him than family. In 2004, Tony and Charmaine returned to Albuquerque, NM to be closer to their loved ones. In retirement, Tony devoted much of his time to serving others. He volunteered countless hours to Civitan International, Special Olympics, and often cooked meals for women and children staying in domestic violence shelters. Tony cared deeply for those around him, and truly never met a stranger.

Tony had many talents and hobbies, including carpentry, picture framing, and solving puzzles. His greatest joy, however, was caring for others through food. Cooking was his love language, and he created many of his own recipes. He especially loved hosting family gatherings for birthdays and holidays, bringing everyone together around his table. Tony was also an avid gardener who transformed his backyard into a peaceful oasis for his friends and family to enjoy.

From humble beginnings, Tony built a life centered on generosity, kindness, and love. His warmth and compassion touched countless lives, and his love will continue to be felt whenever family gathers, a meal is shared, and kindness is given freely. Tony is survived by his wife of 39 years, Charmaine Cook; his daughters, Kelly Sierra (Ryan), Kristen Cook; his stepdaughter, Kimberly Sanchez-Ricketts (Mike); his siblings, Wayne Cook (Anne) of Hillsboro, New Hampshire, Maxine Clark of Glen Allen, Virginia, and Michael Cook (Debbie) of Mechanicsville, VA; his niece Judy DeCew (Michael) of Superior, CO whom he viewed as a daughter; his grandchildren, Carter Weska (Robin), Chandler Radzka, and Olivia Sanchez; his great-granddaughter, Mabel Weska; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whom he loved deeply.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Civitan International or Tunnels to Towers Foundation in Tony’s honor.