Obituary: Harry Baden Cork Jr.

Harry Baden Cork Jr. of New Providence, a former longtime resident of Montclair, died on Sept. 12, 2022. He was 94.

Mr. Cork was born to the late Harry and Ann Cork in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1928. He earned a degree in business administration from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. After graduation, he was drafted into the Army, serving with the artillery during the Korean conflict. 

After his discharge in 1953, he married Florence Johanson, the love of his life. They later had two daughters, Coleen Lynn and Kathleen Ann, in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Mr. Cork worked for Western Electric, a manufacturing subsidiary of AT&T. In 1968, he was transferred to its headquarters in New York, and he relocated his family to Montclair.

His last assignment at AT&T before he retired was working with the company’s president on a number of nonprofit initiatives. This afforded the couple the opportunity to travel and attend many fun special events. 

After his retirement, they enjoyed many winters in Florida, especially when their children and grandchildren visited, and summers in New Jersey. In 2016 they moved to independent living at Lantern Hill in New Providence.

Mr. Cork is survived by his daughters, Coleen (Greg) and their sons, Gregory Jr. (Jill) and Brett, and Kathy (Warren) and their daughters, Katie, Emily and Megan, as well as a great-granddaughter, Hayden.

He was predeceased by his wife, Florence, and his brother, John. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Brookdale Christian Church in Bloomfield, with interment to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Backpacks for Life (backpacksforlife.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity established by his grandson, Marine Sgt. Brett D’Alessandro, to support veterans in need.