John Matthew Cooke, 96, a longtime resident of Milton, died Dec. 26.

Born and raised in South Boston, he spent the early years of his marriage in Dorchester. He moved to Milton in 1943.

Mr. Cooke was a retired operations officer for the U.S. Customs Department.

A parishioner at St. Agatha Church, he was involved in the Holy Name Society and the St. Vincent De Paul Society. He also bowled with his late wife in Cunningham Park’s bowling league, and enjoyed golf, traveling, music and spending time with his family.

Husband of the late Mary G. (Finnegan) Cooke for 57 years, he is survived by his children, Mary A. Cooke, of Dorchester, John M. Cooke, Ph.D., and his wife, Pat DuWors Cooke, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Palmer, and Anne M. Conlon and her husband, Kevin, of Norwell; his grandchildren, Susan Burns, Laurie Woodworth, Paul Dorsey, Scott Dorsey, Joe Conlon, David Conlon, John Conlon and Deb Stepanian; eight great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Paul B. Dorsey, of Canton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Claire E. Dorsey and brother of the late James Cooke, Peter Cooke and Patrick Cooke.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in St. Agatha Church on Dec. 31. Burial was in Milton Cemetery.