Assembly Resolution No. 685
BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes
MOURNING the death of Lawrence H. Cook II,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence H. Cook II, of Niagara Falls, New York, died on
Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the age of 60; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence H. Cook II, whose success in his work with
nonprofit organizations led him to be chosen for advisory roles in local
and state government, distinguished himself in his profession and by his
sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his
community; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence H. Cook II was born to Lawrence H. and Josephine
(Chapman) Cook in Niagara Falls on March 11, 1965; he was the younger of
two sons; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Niagara Falls High School, Lawrence
H. Cook II earned a bachelor's degree from Buffalo State College (now
University) and took part in certificate programs at Canisius College
(now University) and the University at Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence H. Cook II started at the Arts Council of Buffalo
& Erie County as Assistant in the Regrant Program for arts organizations
and became the Council's Deputy Director; and
WHEREAS, For 15 years, Lawrence H. Cook II was Program Manager and
Executive with the John R. Oishei Foundation where he worked with
nonprofit organizations in the arts and heritage; previously, he was
Vice Chairman of the Niagara Falls Financial Advisory Board which made a
one-year study of the City's fiscal policies and offered
recommendations; and
WHEREAS, After joining the Oishei Foundation as Program Director in
2008, Lawrence H. Cook II led the Mobile Safety-Net Team, a group of
young professionals who brought program services to 12 economically
distressed communities in Erie and Niagara Counties in the wake of the
Great Recession of 2008; the team took surveys, assessed needs, built
partnerships with other agencies, and assisted with writing grants; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence H. Cook II was promoted to Senior Program Officer
in 2013 and became Vice President three years later; the Mayor of
Niagara Falls appointed him to the Niagara Falls Housing Authority in
2016, and he went on to become Chairman; and
WHEREAS, In 2019, Lawrence H. Cook II was honored by the North
Tonawanda Common Council for leading the City's Community Resource Hub
which gave residents a convenient way to find access to services; in
2021, he was appointed to the New York State Council on the Arts, one of
two members representing the Western New York Region, by Governor Andrew
Cuomo; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence H. Cook II always acted with conviction and a deep
commitment to his community; he moved quietly, yet his influence was
powerful and lasting, and he was a true artist in the balance of
strength and gentleness; he was also known as diligent, good-natured,
and creative in problem solving; and
WHEREAS, Lawrence H. Cook II is survived by his daughters, Lexi Cook
and Lela Cook; former wife, Rosemary Howard; brother, Steven; and
stepson, Philip Howard; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Lawrence H. Cook II leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Lawrence H. Cook II; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Lawrence H. Cook II.
