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East Rockaway Post Office officially renamed

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Rep. Carolyn McCarthy was on hand for a ceremony to rename the East Rockaway Post Office after John J. Cook, who worked at the facility for six decades.

“John Cook served the East Rockaway community as a letter carrier for multiple generations of families,” Rep. McCarthy said.  “For over 60 years, Mr. Cook proved to be a model federal employee by displaying professionalism, courtesy, and tireless dedication. He was truly a remarkable individual and this will be a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man. I’m proud to have helped in this effort to honor the memory of this outstanding American citizen.”

Earlier this year, the House passed H.R. 2079, Rep. McCarthy’s bill to officially name the post office in East Rockaway the “John J. Cook Post Office.”

“John loved his job,” said Roberta Cook, John’s widow, earlier this year after the bill’s passage. “He would be so happy to see the place where he dedicated so much of his life named after him. I’m so proud of him and am grateful to Congresswoman McCarthy and everyone else who is working to make this happen.” Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony J. Santino, who brought the story of Cook to McCarthy’s attention.

After serving in World War II in the Pacific theater, Cook began working for the local post office and quickly became an integral part of the East Rockaway community. Day in and day out, for the next 60 years, he took pride in his work, delivering the mail to his friends and neighbors in East Rockaway.  He consistently went above and beyond his expected duties by doing things like inquiring about his customers’ health whenever he knew someone on his route had been sick.  At times, he even canceled family vacations because the post office needed him for a last-minute shift.  His commitment and service to East Rockaway have made him a well-loved and greatly admired member of the community.

Also present at the ceremony was Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, East Rockaway Mayor Francis T. Lenahan, Jr., Chamber of Commerce members, National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 6000 President Walter Barton, employees of the John J. Cook Post Office, and friends and family of the Cook’s.