John R. “Jack” Cookson, 83, died Jan. 16, 2011, in Vero Beach.
He was born in Jersey City, N.J., and lived in Vero Beach.
He was president of the Household Products Division of Lever Brothers Co. and a member of Unilever’s board of directors, from which he retired in 1988.
He enlisted in the Navy and trained in flight school.
He graduated from Fordham University. He was a member of Holy Cross Parish, Vero Beach.
He was active in the Lions Club in Upper Saddle River, N.J.
He belonged to Maris Stella Parish and Wildwood Golf and Country Club, Avalon, N.J., and Hawk’s Nest Golf Club, Vero Beach.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Barbara; son, John, of Basking Ridge, N.J.; daughter, Eileen Leonard, of Sea Girt, N.J.; sister, Ellenore, of Ocean City, N.J.; and three granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas and William.
Memorial contributions be made to VNA Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A memorial service will be at 1:30 pm Jan. 21 at Holy Cross Church, Vero Beach.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
