Christian D.S. Cook

Christian Daniel Sergey Cook;  A bright light left us suddenly on Saturday, June 5, 2021, in Pittsburgh, PA. Christian was the humor in his family with his quick wit and loving tease.  He had a gentle spirit and love of the Poor in Spirit.  He always befriended the least of God's children and always saw the best in every person.  He had a giving heart always looking to share a smile.  His presence was felt by all around him with warmth, laughter, and care.

He was a loyal friend, standing with people who were  criticized by others.  He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, a runner, rode bikes on streets and trails, loved to ski, rode horses, hiked, rock climbed, camped, hung out with friends in hammocks, was a budding martial artist, and searched the web for humorous videos.  Many family hours were spent watching "How It's Made" and "Science Wonders". Christian was able to assemble the most complicated lego sets with only the help of the picture on the box and then transform these into a totally different but equally amazing creation.  He had a brilliant mind that was able to see the treasures of life that many of us were unable to know.  Watching him think, you could see him discovering how the world around him worked.  Christian was adept in many handyman skills and was always willing to help friends and family by sharing his talents.  He had many interests and was passionate about learning new things; he would share them until his family would sigh and laugh because we could not understand - it was obvious that his family had no mechanical ability:  Christian's caring and generous soul was involved with the St. Stephen's children's ministry, Side-by-Side Special Needs Ministry, Summer Celebration camp, and the Little Sisters of the Poor.

He loved music and was a talented instrumentalist.  He played in the Central Catholic and the University of Pittsburgh Marching and Symphony Bands and the Spirit Band at Widener University.  He was an avid runner, including a champion running career throughout high school and college.  He graduated from Commonwealth Connections Academy in 2014 with High Honors.  After receiving eleven scholarship offers, he attended Widener University on an Army ROTC scholarship until an eye injury prevented him from continuing to serve in the military.  He was 9  credits short a geology degree at the University of Pittsburgh.

Christian was preceded in death by grandparents, Dan and Teddy Kennelly and Frederic L. and Donna Lee Cook; and cousin, Gwen Upchurch

Christian is survived by his mom, Theresa (Terri) Kennelly-Cook; dad, Frederick C. Cook; and sister, Tatyana Theresa Cook.  He is also survived by his brother, Alexander F.S. Cook; sister-in-law, Victoria (Arel) Cook; and two nieces, Eleanor Lee and Alexandria Jane.  He is also survived by his aunt, Kerry Ann Kennelly; his aunt and godmother, Cynthia (Cyndi) Kennelly; uncle, Charlie Umphred; great-aunt, Loralee stump; step-sister, Jennifer Hill; and cousins, Jim and Kathleen Upchurch and Liam Upchurch.  He is survived by his godfather, Ray Lardin and his wife, Aleta Lardin.  He is survived by his uncles and aunts, Jeffrey and Renee Cook, Tim and Kim Cook, and Robin and Suzanne Cook, as well as eight cousins.  He is survived by many friends who loved him dearly and all described him as their "Best Friend" and are shocked to learn of his passing.

He loved and is loved by his family.  He showed his affection easily to all in his family.  His bear hugs were filled with love and weight.  He will be missed greatly.  We pray he has now found the peace and understanding that he struggled for in life.

Friends received Thursday 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Thomas P. Kunsak Funeral Home, Inc., 3552 California Ave. at Davis Ave., Pittsburgh., PA     15212.  Funeral Services for Christian will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021, at St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Sewickley, PA with burial to follow at Christ Our Redeemer (Northside Catholic) Cemetery.   Memorials may be given to Thomas P. Kunsak Funeral Home, Inc., 3552 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA   15212.

Donations may be made in Christian's honor at NAMI of Pittsburgh, St. Stephen's Anglican Church for the People Helpers or Children's Ministries, and Little Sisters of the Poor. The information for each organization is listed below.

NAMI of Pittsburgh, 105 Braunlich Dr., #200, Pittsburgh, PA   15237; NAMIkeystonepa.org

St. Stephen's Anglican Church, People Helpers or Children's Ministries, 405 Frederick St., Sewickley, PA   15143; Ststephenschurch.net

Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA   15212; Littlesistersofthepoortpittsburgh.org