WILMINGTON — Alexander B. Cook, affectionately known as “Al”, passed away surrounded by his children on October 27, 2025, aged 87. The quintessential “never met a stranger,” Al was a beloved father, husband and friend to so many people who had the great fortune to know him.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Al was a proud undergraduate of The Ohio State University. He then earned his law degree from Georgetown Law School in Washington, D.C. and spent much of his full legal career in the Nation’s Capital, contributing to important Federal immigration legislation as counsel on the US House Judiciary Committee. He also served as General Counsel to the Peace Corps under President Ronald Reagan. After retiring to Wilmington, Al continued to serve the community as an immigration lawyer, helping countless individuals navigate the complex legal system. From Washington to Wilmington, Al remained a loyal supporter of the Cleveland Browns and Indians, even when they made it hard to do so.
Outside of work, Al had a lifelong passion for music and was a talented multi instrumentalist. He was especially gifted with the piano. Combined with his ever growing repertoire of songs (and jokes!), Al was the playlist long before streaming services–his piano playing could turn any gathering into a party. Al also had a strong sense of community, which, combined with his love of music, served him well when he co-founded one of the most well-known establishments in the DC metro area, Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub – founded in February 1979 and still going strong today. He led many a spirited singalong there, turning strangers into friends and every night into a celebration. His love of song extended to his devotion to the Catholic Church, as a longtime guitarist and choir member at his local parish.
Al was a dedicated and loving father, raising his three children with endless patience, humor, and more patience. True to his musical spirit, anytime his daughters were inevitably running late for a family outing, rather than raise his voice, he let his piano do the talking, playing unmistakable tunes that meant it was time to get moving! He also was a man of great wisdom, a favorite being “You never fail until you stop trying. So persevere through it all, and success will be yours.”
Al is survived by his three children, Paul, Nicole, Amanda (Chris), his beloved wife Rosemary, and her four children and seven grandchildren.
Al was loved by many and will be missed by many more.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Catholic Relief Services, both longtime recipients of Al’s continued generosity.
