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Liam Coonan Obituary
Liam Seosam Coonan passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas, on September 8, 2018, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Bettina Capelle Coonan.
He was a loving father of William "Liam" Coonan (Pinar) and Bettina "Tina" Ware (John), a doting grandfather of Seamus, Jeremy, and Emma Coonan, Ethan Bahr, and Michael (Hailey), Katie, and Liam(fiancée,Victoria) Ware, adoring great-grandfather to Piper Ware and Autumn, and brother to Nessa and Brenda.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, to William and Mary (Conran) Coonan, he attended Clongowes Wood College in County Kildare and Trinity College, Dublin. Inspired by a John Wayne movie, Liam immigrated to the United States to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Honor Man and High Shooter at Parris Island, Liam served on active duty for three years and continued service in the reserves.
After receiving his bachelor's degree in economics from Rutgers University, Liam obtained his law degree from Seton Hall University. Accepted into the U.S. Department of Justice honor's program, Liam worked in the Antitrust Division in Manhattan and the Organized Crime Strike Force in Brooklyn and Newark, before becoming the attorney in charge in St. Louis. Liam then joined the legal department of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and worked on that company's transitions to Southwestern Bell Corp. and SBC Communications Inc. (eventually becoming AT&T). He retired as executive vice- president and associate general counsel.
With his Irish wit, good humor, and caring soul, Liam made friends wherever he went.
His travels were many, being an expert sailor, and quite a few Caribbean watering holes welcomed the sight of his sailboat, Banshee. While on dry land, Liam was often at his home in Thomastown, Ireland, surrounded by family and dear friends. An outdoors sportsman, Liam enjoyed fishing, but was a rather poor hunter due to his love of all animals. His many dogs were nearly constant companions throughout his life. A voracious reader, with interests too many to mention, he was an engaging conversationalist and great story-teller. Liam lived life to its fullest and will be deeply missed. Consistent with his wishes, the family had a private service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Liam Coonan
The Moon Goddess
September 7, 2023
Fair dreams are with you!
Diane and Joe Dinan
September 7, 2021
We still smile when we often remember Liam and his wit. Love and miss Liam and Bettina today. Hope she is okay three years later.
Ken Lowrie
September 7, 2020
The message asked for a memory of Liam. I recall an incident when Liam had delivered a closing argument a case before a jury in St. Louis. The judge charged the jury, sent them out to deliberate, and cautioned the soon to be discharged alternate jurors that on pain of contempt the were not to discuss the case with the attorneys. After the judge excused the alternates, a woman jumped out of the jury box, ran up to Liam, and asked, “Are you from Boston, I could listen to you all day?” Liam responded, “Well, you’ve moved me 2000 miles West, I’ll make it to Missouri, yet.”
Kenneth Lowrie
January 2, 2020
I worked closely with Liam in the St. Louis Strike Force. He was a great boss and a terrific lawyer. I enjoyed his friendship and his wonderful wit. Liam was truly a good guy.
Diane and Joe Dinan
August 13, 2019
I'll never forget Liam whom I adored. He was so funny and smart and so knowledgeable about sailing. My husband, Joe, and I were sipping a beer in Granada in 2006 when Liam comes over and says, "Don't I know you from somewhere?" Of course he didn't, but that was the beginning of a friendship that touched my life forever since. We sailed together to Venezuela, we did Carnival in Trinidad in 2007 with Bettina and had a ball. We had so much fun with the two of you in the Caribbean aboard Banshee (you) and Moon Goddess (us) and later at your childhood home in Ireland. Just love you both. Bettina, may time give you the strength to endure.
Diane (and Joe) Dinan
"The Goddess" as Liam always said with a smile!
July 27, 2019
Safe home dear friend. Wonderful memories of sheared stories over the years . My sincere condolences to Bettina and your wonderful family of whom you were so proud . I regret I did not hear the sad news sooner
Mary laverty .
Thomastown
Co. Kilkenny
Major Raul Hernandez, Dominion Security
September 25, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Michael Hoff
September 17, 2018
So sorry to hear this, deepest condolences to all the family.
From the Hoff Family
Kathleen Mackey
September 16, 2018
Like so many others, I worked with Liam many years ago at Southwestern Bell. So very sorry to hear of his passing. The world will be a little less colorful now.
September 14, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain you during this difficult time. (Isaiah 61:1,2) With sincerest sympathy,
VO
Jo-Nell [Haraldson] Labbienti
September 13, 2018
Dear Bettina,
It has been so many years since I've seen either you or Liam, but his passing nevertheless has deeply saddened me. I learned so much from him while at Southwestern Bell, and so enjoyed the times spent at your beautiful home and sailing with him. You have my heartfelt condolences.
September 13, 2018
Dear Tina and family, we are so sorry to hear about your beloved dad. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. Deepest condolences from the Caparon family.
Rodger Bourne
September 13, 2018
So sorry to hear of his passing, he was a wonderful, caring man. I was a contractor at SBC, and he was very kind to me and I will always have the greatest respect, and fondest memories of him. My condolences to his family.
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