Joseph William Cook of Orleans died peacefully after a brief illness at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth on Nov. 29, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He was 77.

The eldest of 10 siblings, Joe was born on Feb. 4, 1946, to the late Margaret and Leo Cook of Milton. He graduated from Milton High School in 1963.

In 1969 he married Maureen Rich, who had connections to Truro, where the couple settled and started a family.

Joe sailed for many years as a merchant mariner before he went to work in maintenance at the Truro Central School. After retiring, he worked seasonally for a few years on a maintenance crew for the National Seashore, which, his daughter Priscilla said, “he thoroughly enjoyed.”

In 2006, Joe was the recipient of a kidney and liver transplant, which gave him 17 more years of life. “He was very grateful for that,” Priscilla said, as were his children.

Joe took great pleasure spending time with his children and grandchildren. Many of his fondest memories were of his years as a mariner and the time he spent on the water lobstering, which he learned to do as a boy. He dearly loved Pamet Harbor.

After spending most of his adult life in Truro, in his final years Joe moved to Orleans with his companion, Sara Hutchings.

Joe is survived by his children, Priscilla Cook of Wellfleet, Nathaniel Cook of Montague, and Michael Cook of Truro; his longtime companion, Sara Hutchings of Orleans; and his former wife, Maureen Rich of Rockport. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Zoe Ryder-O’Malley of Wellfleet, Cassidy Cook of Harwich, Ebben Ryder-O’Malley of Wellfleet, Isabel Cook of Orleans, and Cora Cook of Truro. Other survivors include siblings George Cook of Braintree, Louis Cook of Rockland, Lorraine Ahern of Rockland, Fred Cook of Milton, Mary Barbone of Marshfield, David Cook of Quincy, and John Cook of Madison, N.H., as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister Sandra Doherty of Plymouth and brother Leo Cook Jr. of Milton.

Services will take place on Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Harbor in Provincetown. A reception in the church hall will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joseph’s name to the Massachusetts Organ Transplant Fund, New England Donor Services, Caitlyn Bernabucci, 60 First Ave., Waltham 02451.