Gilmanton, NH---Cooke, David Ernest, Sr., 50, of Gilmanton died on Friday May 4, 2007 after a boating accident. Lifelong resident of Rhode Island, until moving to New Hampshire four years ago. He was the beloved husband of Mary E. (Roche) Cooke.

Born in Providence, RI, the son of the late John and Glenah (Hathaway) Cooke. Also leaves behind a sister Dr. Susan C. Frost and husband Meryll Frost of Gainesville, FL., and the brother of the late Kenneth C. Cooke.

He was a successful owner and operator of Auburn Tool & Die and Sargent Mountain Tool for the past 27 years. He was a devoted loving husband, and father who cared greatly for his family.

David is also survived by his children Heather J. Hyllested and her husband Russell A. Hyllested of Warwick, RI, Michael S. Cooke of Hill, NH, Joshua R. Cooke of Gilmanton, Laura E. Cooke of Gilmanton and the late David E. Cooke Jr. He was the grandfather of Kayla E. Hyllested, and Brooke L. Hyllested. Also was an Uncle to Dr. Christopher J. Frost, of State College, PA, and had several other nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Calling hours for David and his son, David, Jr., will be held on Friday, May 11, 2007 from 6:00-9:00PM at the Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, N.H., using the Whipple Avenue entrance.

Liturgy of the Word for David, Sr. and David, Jr. will be celebrated at St. Joseph Parish, 96 Main Street, Belmont, NH on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at 10:30AM.

Burial will follow in Smith Meeting House Cemetery, Meeting House Road, Gilmanton, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the David Cooke Memorial Fund c/o Meredith Village Savings Bank, 379 South Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246.

Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is in charge of the arrangements.