JASON F. “JAY” CROOK

August 10, 2016
Crook, Jason   20160811_13161203

Jason Franklin “Jay” Crook, 70, of Nashua died peacefully at his home with his family on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 ending a brave 6 month battle with ALS. He was born in Columbus, Ohio on May 26, 1946 to John and Andra (Zalanskas) Crook.

Jay graduated from Hollis High School in 1965 and enlisted in the US Army in October, 1967. He served two tours in Vietnam where he attained the rank of Sergeant in the 25th Infantry Division as an artillery man and was honorably discharged in June 1970. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1974 and was certified in elementary education and secondary English. Jay worked as a truck driver with the Nashua Department of Public Works for 19 years and was very active in its union acting as chief steward and later as president.

His competitive spirit and desire to challenge his physical limits led to a lifelong love of boxing, rugby, weightlifting, arm wrestling, hiking, biking, and working outdoors. His love of literature, poetry and drama were equally important in his life. His passion for these activities was passed on to his sons.

Jay’s focus was his family and his faith which are evident in the lives of his loved ones and his loving commitment to his wife of 29 years, Virginia (Corriveau) Crook. He is also survived by three sons; Jason and his wife Lori of Maryland, Samuel and his wife Nastya, and Jedidiah; a sister, Linda Cook of Hollis; his granddaughters Ryleigh and Wren of Maryland and Avery; a beloved cousin, Sandra Christoffer of Washington, and three nephews and a niece.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 27th at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a service there at 4:00 o’clock. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care and service provided by the Manchester VA Medical Center, especially his occupational therapist, Jennifer Acheson, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations in Jason’s name be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 7 Mill Brook Rd., Wilton, NH 03086. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com

21 Comments on JASON F. “JAY” CROOK

Jon Weers said : Guest Report Jan 30, 2018 at 10:55 PM

I served with Jay in the Army in Vietnam I Battery (SLT) 29th Artillery. I maintained the searchlights. One morning I was sent to the Phu Cuong Bridge where Jay's light was located to check it out as it was on the bridge when VC sappers blew it up. Jay's light (Jason's Argonauts) was damaged but Still serviceable and neither he or his partner were hurt. A few years back Jay contacted me after I joined the National Dusters, Quads and Searchlights Association and I sent Jay copies of pictures I took at the time. Welcome Home brother I am sorry we were unable to make personal contacr.

Frank DiDonato said : Guest Report Oct 02, 2017 at 12:56 PM

I just came across this today. Jay and I were best buddies at Keene State. I have hundreds of fond memories of all the things we did together. I still smile and laugh to myself when I remember some of the things we did back then. My sincere condolences to his wife, Virginia and his boys that he loved so much. I wish I knew of his passing at the time, so I could be there for the service. God bless you, Jay. I'll always cherish our time together.

Mary Anne Greene said : Guest Report Feb 14, 2017 at 9:44 PM

I knew Jason from the Keene State College days. He was truly a Hero. I am happy he loved his wife, and his children. I am so sorry for you, I know how terrible ALS is. I am glad that he was tenderly cared for by those who loved him. I can't stop crying, but I know he had time to prepare for his death, and we will have eternity to rejoice. God bless you all💔

Joe Raycraft said : Guest Report Aug 25, 2016 at 1:49 PM

Ginny: sad to hear of the loss of Jay. My thought are with you and the family.

Nancie Fimbel said : Guest Report Aug 23, 2016 at 1:49 PM

Mr. Capon, our 7th grade English teacher, always reminded our class how smart Jay was. And we could see how handsome he was and feel his charm. Add to that his sense of humor, and it's no wonder he was so popular in school and beyond. It's hard to imagine the world without him.

sandra ballou allen said : Guest Report Aug 21, 2016 at 7:22 PM

To all of Jay's family, my heartfelt sympathy. He was a vibrant, larger than life figure through all our school years in Hollis. Bright, witty, outrageous and utterly charming. Best of all, he was always kind. Never to be forgotten.

Terry Clarkson said : Guest Report Aug 21, 2016 at 5:47 PM

To Ginny and your family, my sincere condolences. Jay and I were boyhood friends while growing up in Hollis NH. We shared a joy in prankterism (as an example, once skipping school, building a raft, and enjoying a day as Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn). We also enjoyed a bond in reading and exchanging books, especially those by Steinbeck, Hemingway, and Mailer. Rest in peace old friend.

Tyna Chesson Claveau said : Guest Report Aug 18, 2016 at 10:03 AM

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Jay. I knew Jay because his mother, Andra lived in the apartment upstairs from us on Ashland St for 18 years. She was like a mother to me, I loved her very much. I admired Jay and how he conducted his life. He had very high values, and although I was just a little bratty kid, he treated me kind. I looked up to him. When he went to Vietnam, I remember hearing Andra crying her eyes out, night after night, thinking he wasn't going to come back. There was no consoling her. Jay was very courageous to have gone to Vietnam twice. Jay was also very strong, he was always working out, I recall one time when we had had a lot of snow, his mom couldn't get her car out of the driveway because the snow was so deep, he just picked up the back end of the bumper of the VW bug and lifted it up over the snowbank! Jay was amazing. May your great memories of Jay help you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Larry Cross said : Guest Report Aug 17, 2016 at 9:52 PM

I was saddened to hear of Jays passing. I enjoyed talking politics and getting his views at the ymca. Ginny you and Jay were the best of us. Please know my thoughts are with you

Shawna Barnum said : Guest Report Aug 17, 2016 at 12:36 PM

Ginny, Dede made me aware of the passing of Jay. I am sorry I am so far away and cannot attend his services. Please know we are thinking of you and your boys. Love ya. Shawna, Bruce, Brody and Cooper.

Karen Egle-Gaber said : Guest Report Aug 16, 2016 at 7:49 PM

Jay spent 4 years working at the Nashua Public Library before his retirement and was a very hard worker, not missing one day of work in 4 years. I enjoyed working with him and admired his family values and his faith in God. My heart goes out to his family.

John Richard said : Guest Report Aug 16, 2016 at 6:36 PM

I was saddened today to see Jay's obituary in the Telegrsph - I was fortunate to have known him during his college years - he was a unique combination of strength and culture as he loved to read and quote from those readings. He was a great guy. My deepest condolences to the entire Crook family.

Laura Denehy said : Guest Report Aug 16, 2016 at 7:44 AM

My deepest sympathies to Ginny and the entire Crook family. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the love of family and friends give you strength in the days ahead, and may the memories and love you shared with Jay bring you comfort. My heart is broken for you all.

Deb said : Guest Report Aug 14, 2016 at 10:53 PM

To Ginny and your family, My sincere condolences. Still sending my thoughts and prayers with my prayer blanket Deb made to you and to Jay and your family every day. The way you talked about Jay he was one very special man.

Jay Cook said : Guest Report Aug 13, 2016 at 2:00 PM

Uncle Jay was my inspiration for a lot of the paths I chose in my early life. Joining the Army, choice of college and my sense of adventure had their roots in part in Uncle Jay's treatment of me as a kid and his stories. I was never a Golden Gloves boxer (still can't take a punch in the face), but the details of my own life, personal and professional, have largely paralleled that of Uncle Jay's. I even found a superb wife, as did he. Hope my cousins (Uncle Jay's 3 boys) and Ginny are doing as well as possible under the circumstances. Don't hesitate to ask for help. It's here for the taking. Fondly, Jay (Robert Jay Cook)

Chip Harris said : Guest Report Aug 13, 2016 at 10:43 AM

Condolences to Ginny and family. Jay will be missed.

Lenda Chaisson Quinn said : Guest Report Aug 12, 2016 at 3:48 PM

Condolences to Ginny and your family. I have always treasured being a part of the Crook family get togethers with my Mom Dottie Crook Chaisson and my family. Love and prayers to you.

Dave and Janet Crook said : Guest Report Aug 12, 2016 at 11:48 AM

My heartfelt condolences to Ginny, and Jay's family. I regret we fell out of touch except for some warm emails recently after the "Other Dave Crook" event. "The Other" and I were quite similar with the Crook acerbic personality. I also recall and have movies to prove it visiting Worthington so many years ago. To Ginny: I was a CPA consultant for 40 years. Since retiring I have counseled 6 widows about the legal/financial decisions you face. I am offering my assistance if you feel the need. It was great to see Jay's pic as it reminded me of the Crook look and the many, many great memories growing up in the Crook Clan

Sandra Crook Christoffer said : Guest Report Aug 11, 2016 at 8:39 PM

My cousin Jay was the youngest of all our Crook cousins, and I was the second youngest. We had wonderful times together beginning at early ages in a visit to Worthington, Ohio after my Dad died in 1949, and then in the New England area, where I grew up. I loved our times together at his home in Nashua, watching the Red Sox games and Civil War movies with his beautiful family. Remembering many years ago, my Mom and I sent care packages to him every 2 months while he was serving in the Army in Viet Nam. He especially liked my Mom's homemade brownies. I am always so very grateful to his beautiful wife Ginny for all she has done to care for my beloved cousin Jay. I thank God every day for her, and for my beautiful cousin Jay.

Linda Mayberry (cousin) said : Guest Report Aug 11, 2016 at 8:24 PM

To Jay's wonderful family, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. I will never forget the summer that Jay and Franklin came to visit us in Vancouver...he was the "comic book king" and could not be removed from reading under the apple tree! Never saw him again until the family reunion at Scott's in Vermont but, had a wonderful visit with him later at Linda's!! My love to you all...may he finally rest in peace. ❤️😍💋!

Janet Chaisson Ledda said : Guest Report Aug 11, 2016 at 8:20 PM

My sincere sympathies are with the Crook family. Jay was always wonderful to my mom, Dorothy Chaisson. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

Leave a Condolence Message

Email addresses will not be published, but made available to the family