Born and raised in Dunlieth with sister Paula Seeney, son of Arlene Cooke, a Colonial School District Secretary, and Franklin Cooke, a Longshoreman. One son Franklin D. Cooke III and one Grandson Gavin Cooke.

Graduate of DeLaWarr High, Cheyney State, retired New Castle County Police Officer, Executive Assistant for New Castle County Executive Thomas P. Gordon, investigator for Office of Defense Services.