John-Cooney-Obituary

John D. Cooney

Chicago, Illinois

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Chicago, Illinois

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John D. Cooney, Sr., 68, passed away on February 23, 2023 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family. John was larger than life, an inimitable force that lit up every room he entered. Beyond his powerful intellect, John possessed a unique combination of wit, humor, and love...

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On this second anniversary of the passing of John D. Cooney, I am reminded of just what a special fella he was and how much I miss him. John was larger than life. The rarest of friends, ALWAYS there with his inimitable blend of insight, wit, support and humor. Over the half-century since we met, getting together with John was always profoundly fun, and our frequent calls and correspondence something I cherished! I extend my best wishes and sympathy to John´s family. And know that he is...

I think of my good friend, John, often and especially when the Trusts meet for the Quarterly TAC/FCR meetings. It is still difficult to realize that I will not be seeing his smiling face nor the witty banter, nor the scotch & cigars! As Roman Catholic as I am, it still feels so unfair for him to have been taken so early! That said, I am certain that there is a lot more joy and fun in Heaven since he arrived! Still love him and miss him!

Remembering John one year later brings a smile to my face but sadness in my heart for his loss. I can honestly say I can´t think of any other person who was as enjoyable to be around as John. He was ALWAYS in a good mood, always smiling, always telling the best stories and jokes. He also was well read and thoughtful and discussing politics, philosophy, literature or almost any subject with him was such a pleasure. I so miss him.

Barbara and family- with the passing of a year to reflect on John´s loss, I imagine it has gotten no easier to accept that he is not with you. Innumerable times in the last year, in a professional context, I have asked myself, "what would John Cooney do here?" Much more often, I have missed his unique sense of humor, his perfect line to capture the moment, and his friendship. Your husband and father was a very special man who will never be forgotten.

I have been on several golf trips with John, to Ireland, Scotland, and both USA coasts and the CA desert. John was the person who made every trip enjoyable, regardless of the weather or how poorly we may have played that day. Always great fun. Also, I personally have worked with John of various asbestos bankruptcy projects, and it would be a vast understatement to say he had a brilliant mind. Brilliant mind, incredibly upbeat and engaging personality, John was the epitome of what a truly...

I am so sorry that I was unable to greet all of you. I was in the front row of the balcony or choir loft. The sad and unbelievable news only reached me on Wednesday before the funeral. The service was one of the most beautiful, poignant and entertaining ceremony that I have ever witnessed. Msnr. Velo, Devitt, Bob, Uncle Bob & Perry were all so excellent and brought tears and laughter to all. The music could not have been more perfect! While I could not call myself a close friend, I...

"When you meet him you'll know. He's a wonderful guy." - Dean M. Trafelet

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

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