Larry"Sam" Cook
, Illinois
June 26, 2026
Larry "Sam" Cook was born July 31, 1951 and passed away on June 27, 2026 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was a beloved husband, stepfather, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, teacher, coach and sportswriter whose life touched many in the Sanford and Ft. Myers, FL and Mendota, IL communities and beyond.Sam graduated from Mendota High School in 1969 and then attended Northern Illinois University where he graduated in 1973 with a degree in journalism. Sam began his career at Sanford Naval Academy as an English teacher while working in maintenance at Sanford Memorial Stadium and West Rinker Baseball Academy. He went on to teach English at Lake Howell High School and Crooms Ninth Grade Center, where he also coached basketball and inspired countless young students and athletes with his easy humor, steady presence and love of the game.After teaching, Sam found his calling in journalism. He served as…