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Gilbert Cooley Obituary
Son of the late Francis A. Cooley and Lucia (Gilbert) Cooley, he was born in Hartford on June 25, 1934, and raised in Glastonbury. He voluntarily enlisted himself in the U.S. Army to serve our country at the age of 17, during the Korean War. After his military service, he went on to drive "18-wheelers," supplementing his income with delivery of The Hartford Courant, The Journal Inquirer and The Chronicle. He continued working until the day he suffered a stroke in July 2006. After a hard, strong battle he was able to move in March 2007 to Chesterfields Health Care Facility in Chester. Prior to his stroke he had the home he dreamed of in North Windham.
He is survived by his wife, Norah "Essie," of Westbrook; his only sister, "Ruthie" (Cooley) Yetishefsky, of Glastonbury; his six children, Noreen Dunlevy, of Middletown, Patricia Hyzer, of Corbett, Ore., William Cooley, of East Hartford, Colleen Slayton, of Monterey, Calif., Kathleen Taylor, of Westbrook, and Erin McNamara, of Stafford Springs. He also leaves 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by two grandchildren.
Surrounded by the love of all his family and loved ones, final goodbyes were said to Dad on March 29 at Brooklawn Funeral Home in Rocky Hill. Dad was laid to rest at the State Veterans Cemetery on Bow Lane in Middletown with full military honors. A Mass in celebration of his life will be held at Saint Mark the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Westbrook at a later date, where Mom has been a faithful member since moving to Westbrook in 2006. Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to Middlesex Hospice whose compassion and caring comforted Dad during the last year of his life. Donations can be directed to the Middlesex Hospice - Weiss Unit, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457.
"Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Cooley
c c
April 18, 2011
Dad always said, "Let the Lord take me when he will!" Just as he said, he didn't go until it was his time. He used all of those "9" lives, and he lived them all His way. He is with God now; free of pain and filled only with love. He is at peace. It is we who need to seek our solace...
Katlyn Townsend
April 4, 2011
"Perhaps they are not the stars,
but rather openings in heaven
where the love of our lost ones
shine down to let us know
they are with us."
my thoughts and prayers go out to my best friend Meghan and her family <3
Kate Townsend
April 4, 2011
"Perhaps they are not the stars,
but rather openings in heaven
where the love of our lost ones
shine down to let us know
they are with us."
my thoughts and prayers go out to my best friend Meghan and her family <3
Dr. Gary
April 4, 2011
Dear Cooley Clan,
May your father's spirit and everpresent presence surround and fulfill you hearts! May his love and smile endure. Gil, you will be missed by us all. You taught us, laughed with us, cried with us and let us hear your wonderful stories. Thank you for enriching our lives. I was honored to be your Doctor, confidant and "Buddy". I am so glad you let me get to know you. You will always live on in my heart and my memory. You made a difference in this world. You left quite a legacy. Thank You.
Rick Brown
April 3, 2011
To Colleen and Patty,and the rest of the Cooley family.
I would like to express my condolences and sympathy in the loss of your Dad.
Sincerely,Richard M. Brown G.H.S. class of 1977-Bloomfield,[email protected]
April 3, 2011
"I Love You Dad, Always & Forever XXOO :o) With all my heart" ......... can't draw my heart, this time but it will always be with you, I know you know that! Lot's of things I already miss and always will but you know what- I have a smile on my face thinking of you that will never leave me. I know that's what you wanted & you got it!! You are my Dad- a caring, determined,brave, strong man with a heart of gold hidden underneath, who did more for me than I think you would ever know - in so many ways. But then again I bet you do know - I love Ya Dad XXOO :o) Always & Forever.... some things do never change!!!
Luke E. DiMaria and the Staff of Brooklawn Funeral Home/Giuliano-Sagarino
April 3, 2011
We extend our deepest sympathies at this time and thank you for entrusting us with the care of your loved one.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
April 2, 2011
I Love You Dad, "Always & Forever" xxoo...and I'm not going to leave out what always follows after the xxoo .... :o) You haven't left me & never will. Your my Dad and I love you with all my heart-I'd give you a heart like I always do too, but I can't draw it here :(( ......... XXOO :o)
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