Judge Sidney M. Cooley

My mother, Evelyn Hamilton, who also gone now, was very good friends with Sid and Pudsie! She and Pudsie used to do a lot of stuff together! My mom loved them both! And I always thought that they were very nice people! And now they are together in heaven! God Bless them both!

He was truly a great man

As we sit Shiva for my step-father, William Bashevkin, who passed away last Thursday, January 30, 2014 at age 93, his sons Michael and Alan spoke warmly of their father's friendship with Judge Sidney Cooley. Two great gentlemen with proud military service records and full productive lives in their community will be missed. David B. Shapiro, Baltimore, MD

You have my deepest condolences.My prayers are with your family. He will be missed by me.

Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father, a true gentleman and a respected friend. It was a privilege to know him.

Larry, Debbie, Michael. My condolences to you and your families at the loss of Sid. He and Pudsie were friends of my parents, and although I grew up knowing he was an important community leader, to me, he was Larry's, Debbie's and Michael's dad. Your parents were so involved in making our community a better place for all. They were rays of light in a sometimes dark world. Thanks for sharing them with us. Mark

Being in Judge Cooley's presence during the last 7 years, I was privileged to know his generosity, kindness, compassion and genuine sense of humor. He will be missed a great deal. My best wishes go out to his family for sharing such a wonderful person.

I had the great privilege of meeting Judge Cooley last fall while I was recovering from surgery at Mary's Meadow. Because I was there for several weeks, I had the pleasure of developing a brief friendship with this remarkable man that I will always cherish. He was witty and wise, compassionate, entertaining and often a charming flirt. I am very sad to learn of his passing. I feel blessed to have known him and to have met his beloved family. His memory will remain an inspiration to me. My...

Sid Cooley was one of the most extraordinary people I have ever known. His passing is the end of an era. His time here on earth will be treasured by all lucky enough to have known him. He was wise, kind, talented in so many ways, but his huge heart is what I will remember most. He defined what it means to be a humanitarian. His incredible decency showed us by example the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity.

As my family's next door neighbors for over 40 years,...