Carlis F. Cook Jr., 82, maintenance supervisor for Rutgers University

NOW HERE'S the kind of husband every woman should cherish.

Carlis F. Cook Jr. would prepare gourmet meals just for his wife, Aqila - breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Imagine breakfast in bed served by a doting husband! Eat your hearts out, ladies!

But Carlis loved to cook, and who better to express his talents upon than a receptive family?

Carlis Cook, an optician and longtime maintenance supervisor for Rutgers University, Air Force veteran of the Korean War, and loving family man, died last Wednesday. He was 82 and lived in Southwest Philadelphia.

Carlis not only enjoyed cooking, he was addicted to every kind of kitchen gadget. He would see some gimmick advertised on TV, and he had to have it. His kitchen was stacked high with the latest NuWave ovens and broilers.

Of course, his wife wasn't the only beneficiary of his culinary prowess. He also enjoyed putting together special meals for family friends.

Carlis was born in Philadelphia to Ruth Taylor and Carlis F. Cook Sr. He attended the former St. Charles Parochial School in South Philadelphia before entering the Air Force in 1950. He served in Korea.

After his service, he attended the optical mechanics program at the Edward Bok Vocational Technical High School. For the next 50 years, he worked as an optician while holding down other jobs.

He started working at Rutgers in 1972 and retired in 1995. He was also employed briefly at Philadelphia International Airport.

"Consistent with his quiet-cool demeanor, he was a jazz enthusiast," his family said. "He frequented several Philadelphia jazz hot spots."

Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, W. Tommika Williamston; two sons, Carlis F. Cook III and Benjamin Williamston; two brothers, Ronald and Dave Farrow; and two grandchildren.

Services: Were yesterday. Burial was private.