Neal Allan Cook, 65, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving wife, devoted daughter, and beloved fur babies.

Born on December 3, 1959, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, he is the son of the late Stanley H. Cook and Irene M. (Polisky) Cook. Neal’s loved ones describe him as a man who was incredibly strong, loyal, and determined to be an amazing husband, father, and friend to all. He loved fiercely and wholeheartedly and was a man with a great sense of humor. The things he would say could cheer anyone up in an instant, making them laugh even at their darkest hour.

Neal attended Tunkhannock Area High School and lived his life doing amazing things that made him happy. He was an ardent music lover who enjoyed both listening to and performing. His career in the music industry began with his first job in a small Tunkhannock Area music store and from there spanned into many different roles, from salesman to owner of his very own music store. Neal shared his passion for music with anyone interested and helped many find their way in the industry. He was an extremely talented drummer and spent many years playing with various bands. Neal’s music career was very rewarding in terms of life experiences, where he made lifelong friends along the way. He was extremely proud of his music career and even formed the NEPA Musicians forum on Facebook to connect musicians in the NEPA area with each other, a community he greatly valued. Neal’s last musical accomplishment was collecting and building a beautiful, shiny Ludwig drum kit for his future grandson (whom he lovingly dubbed “Junior”) or for his future granddaughter (“that will be okay, too”) to carry on his legacy.

For a time, Neal also worked as a heavy machine operator, a job he loved dearly. He would jump at any opportunity to dig and work with machinery. Neal was also very passionate about racing and even was part owner of a racetrack. For many years, he proudly raced the Red, White, and Blue #32  around the track with a big smile on his face.

Though Neal faced numerous health issues, his optimism and sense of humor never wavered. He was a loyal friend and, above all, a devoted father and dedicated husband. Neal had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and they returned that love in abundance. Neal was a man who always loved to see others happy. His love for his family, friends, and any animal was endless. There was nothing in this world he wouldn’t do for someone in need. His mother would always tell him he’d give the shirt off his back to his friends if they needed it.

While Neal will be deeply missed, his family and friends find comfort knowing he is in heaven, dancing in the sky, racing cars, playing drums, and preparing a home for his family. His wife bets it will be a beautiful log cabin, as that was one of their dreams. At last, he is at peace and rid of all pain. It is his time to rest and enjoy eternal life with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Neal was preceded in death by his infant son, Neal A. Cook; his parents, Stanley & Irene Cook; brother, Douglas Cook; and beloved dog, Zoey.

He is survived by his wife Mendy Dymond-Cook of Fredericksburg; daughters, Jaclyn Cook of St. Louis, MO and Carlee Lyn Cook-Thomas (Gregory) of Spotsylvania, VA; step-daughters, Jayme Cooper (Brian) of Fredericksburg, VA and Melanie Blume-Marquez (Adam) of Leonardtown, MD; his mother-in-law, Blanche L. Dymond; one brother (Gordon) and three sisters (Sharon, Diane, and Nancy) all from Pennsylvania; five grandchildren (Ava, Myndee, Rylie, Jackson, and Eden); and three beloved fur babies, Ringo, Tootie, and Chuckie.

Funeral services for Neal will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA (https://fredspca.org/donate/) and Tunnels to Towers (https://t2t.org/donate/).