Cumberland, MD - Gary Duane Cook, age 87, passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at UPMC Western Maryland.

Born Dec. 4, 1938, in Springview, Neb., he was the son of K. Duane and Frances (Snider) Cook, the fifth of seven children. Gary married Janet Zastrow on Aug. 13, 1966, and they were married for 39 years until her passing on Aug. 20, 2005. Gary was preceded in death by his sisters, Vallee Peterson and Iris Dee Barnes; and an infant brother, Kaye Don Cook.

Gary was raised in a Christian home with a family that had a strong emphasis on the importance of education. He enrolled in Evangel College in 1957 and graduated in 1961. During his time at Evangel, he served as president of the freshman and sophomore classes.

Gary completed a master's and doctorate in theatre arts from the University of Nebraska, where he and Janet continued to reside and teach for nine years. In 1975, Gary applied for a faculty position at Frostburg State College (now Frostburg State University) and joined the faculty that fall semester. Gary participated in the planning and design of the FSU Performing Arts Center. He described that one of his greatest professional achievements was in the planning and development of the mass communication major at FSU. Gary retired as professor from FSU in 2001 after completing 26 years of service to the university.

In retirement, Gary and Janet continued to focus on what they had always enjoyed: antiques, art and rare books. They also traveled extensively to experience other places and cultures, and enjoyed spending time with close friends and relatives.

Gary is survived by one brother, Kent Cook; and two sisters, Mona Cline and Virginia Voy Moore; as well as several nieces and nephews; and numerous loved ones throughout the country.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Ave., Cumberland, on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 15 N. Smallwood St., Cumberland, MD 21502, on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Ryan Viands officiating.

Interment will be in Shelby Cemetery in Shelby, Iowa.

Condolences may be left at www.scarpellifh.com.