During the decades Thomas H. Cooke Jr. spent as an elected leader in New Jersey, his city, East Orange, fell on hard times.
His parents, Thomas Sr. and Julia Cooke, moved with him and his siblings to Baltimore’s Bruce Court in search of a better life.
Mayor Cooke’s professional career began as an educator in the Newark public school system and included elected terms and leadership positions on the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and East Orange City Council.
After leaving public office, Cooke worked as a charter school administrator in Jersey City.
Cooke is survived by his daughter Julia, son Thomas III, sister Anne Wilson Johnson, brother Wilbur, and dozens of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
