Hartford, Connecticut
1938 - 2016
COOLEY--Christopher, born February 23, 1938, died unexpectedly at home in New York City in early March. Born in Hartford, CT, he was the son of Paul W. Cooley and Jane Crary Allen. He was a graduate of St. Paul's School '56, Yale University '60, and the Columbia University Business School. He is...
Read MorePassing in front of Saint-Vidal church in Campo San Stefano yesterday reminded me of Chris who showed me its Carpaccio.
Georges Bureau
April 08, 2020 | Venice, Italy, VT
I am reminded of Chris each time I walk in front of his now empty house in front of San Trovaso. We are missing his company in Venice.
Pierre Bureau
June 30, 2018 | VENEZIA
What synchronicity to receive this guest book after 2 years ; I thought NYTimes closed it.
Just a week ago I had another vivid dream of Christopher .., he was radiant & young again; bathed in golden white light behind him; we had a funny talk.
We made a pact: So I always reminded him for years to keep his promise, to contact me once he left for Heaven folks, I tell you, he kept his word.
Heaven IS this material earth realm is dull + insensitive compared to...
Apples Nicolle
June 29, 2018 | NYC, NY
They had Chris in mind when they coined the term "old school". He seemed to have stepped right out of a Fitzgerald novel. Being with him was to go back in time to a gentler age than our own. We went to the opera together at least six times, thrice with Mary. Only learned of his death very recently. Still have a CD he sent me more than 20 years ago of the Caballé/Carreras "Maria Stuarda". I will miss his erudition and stimulating company. Rest in peace, Chris. You enriched my life and I...
Bob Birnbaum
June 28, 2018 | Wynnewood, PA
I just heard about Christopher's passing, I was left breathless! I have great memories of he and his wife Mary, the first time we met over 25 years ago in Venezia, spending wonderful evening on the lawn of their beautiful home in the area of my birth San Trovaso, we remained friends with many of my visits when they coincided with his Venice trips, he and Mary were inseparable, he would always take her to restaurants that were attainable via vaporetto, in order to facilitate Mary's wheelchair,...
Cristina Fontanella
October 25, 2017 | Hollywood, CA
It has been a shock to learn Christopher's disparition. He was one of the first persons I met in Venice in July 1996, in front of Santa Maria del Giglio's church which story he explained me. We became instant friends. Many diners at his place in front of San Trovaso and elsewhere. He was such an erudite, with a deep memory. I was happy of his kidney graft. I saw him last summer in the lagoon and discovered he was missing at the start of April while searching for his contact in New...
Pierre Bureau
May 01, 2016 | Venice
It happened again! Sunday, today, the day after Christopher's funeral at St. Bart's church; imagine the prayers + thoughts of him we collectively had: he received them! I got a call from my blind friend Billy, he tells me with urgency in his voice, that he was in church this morning, praying in the sacristy quietly after lighting a candle for Christopher... he "heard" his voice AGAIN!
Billy kept describing that deep, monotone voice of Christopher.
Thank you Jesus*
Apples Nicolle
April 24, 2016 | New York, NY
Seventy-Six years is how long Chris and I have known each other. During that time we shared a lifetime of memories, adventures, and laughs. And although he is no longer here, I will have the rest of my life to remember my closest friend and the memories we shared.
Bob Storrs
April 19, 2016 | Charlestown, RI
I remember dragging him to church last year + we lit a candle - later we walked out singing our favorite hymn: The Battle Hymn of the Republic - I can hear him singing it now in his wonderful voice from heaven.
Apples Nicolle
April 19, 2016 | New York, NY