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John Cooney Obituary
John was an eminent trial attorney at Cooney & Conway, LLP in Chicago, where he led one of the country's premier legal practices specializing in representing individuals who have been injured as a result of asbestos-related disease. His commitment and tireless advocacy on behalf of clients seeking justice helped shape how asbestos victims are treated by the legal system, and has impacted the lives of thousands of people around the world. John served as President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association as well as chairman of numerous court-appointed committees representing asbestos victims. John was universally recognized by attorneys and judges around the country as a man of integrity, decency, and honor.
Growing up in Oak Park, Illinois, John was a graduate of Fenwick High School. He thereafter received degrees from Georgetown University and the Loyola University School of Law. He was a member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Chicago Medical Center. His wide-ranging philanthropy has quietly provided support to each of these institutions and scores of other charitable causes.
Nothing was more important to John than his family. He was the beloved husband of 35 years to the love of his life, his wife Barbara Cooney; loving father to their children Elizabeth (Matt Caraher), Devitt (Bess), and Bobby (Hutton); dear brother of Bob (Loretta) and the late Nora Cooney Marra (Richard); devoted son of the late Robert and Noreen Cooney; and is survived by his many loving nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as countless dear friends.
A mass in John's honor will be celebrated at Old St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 700 W Adams, Chicago, at 2pm on March 2 by Monsignor Ken Velo. Private interment Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are made by Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, Chicago, 773-736-3833 or www.smithcorcoran.com.
A donation in memory of John Cooney to support mesothelioma research at the University of Chicago Medicine would be appreciated. Checks may be made payable to the "University of Chicago Medicine" and sent to the following address: University of Chicago Gift Administration and Business Data, John Cooney Memorial, 5235 S. Harper Court, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60615. Or one can donate online at: http://giving.uchicago.edu/john-cooney
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Cooney
John Q
February 23, 2025
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 looking down from Heaven, proud of you all and elated to see the next generation of Cooneys flourishing and enveloped in love. q
Dan Stack (Trustee, Flintkote)
February 22, 2024
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!
David M McClain
February 20, 2024
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.
Peter Kraus
February 20, 2024
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.
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James F Early
April 4, 2023
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 outstand human being should be. Words cannot express what a loss to us this is.
Dan Stack
March 14, 2023
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 loved John for all of the wonderful things that were said to describe him!
Barbara, I only got to meet you one time, in St. Louis outside of Andrew O´Brien´s Anniversary Party. I have been with Devitt several times and the last time that I saw John was in D.C. this past November. As usual, when he saw me about to head to my room he came in and said "Oh, no, Judge. You´re coming with us to the bar!" Devitt was also there. It was one of those nights where I heard the hilarious charge of: "Judge, you´re the problem"!
Besides many many times at the bar after a conference or meeting, I had the pleasure of playing golf with John and Bill Fahey at Medinah (the stories about his golf game brought back wonderful memories) then had dinner at Bruna´s, with Bruno and John. What a day/night! He touched so many people who morn this difficult loss but I cannot imagine the grief that it has brought to all of you, his Family. Please know that my sincerest sorrow and sympathy as well as my prayers are with all of you! Dan Stack
Theodore Trafelet
March 3, 2023
"When you meet him you'll know. He's a wonderful guy." - Dean M. Trafelet
Gerald DeLeon
March 1, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Bruce Braley
March 1, 2023
Barbara and family: John took me under his wing when I first ran for Congress in 2006 and always made me feel like family whenever I saw him. You are all in my thoughts as you deal with this incredible loss.
D D
February 28, 2023
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Robert P Howington
February 28, 2023
My sincerest condolences to all of the Cooneys and John´s friends. John could really do it all. He was comically funny. He was brilliant, and he was generous and kind, and like "Ace" before him, he never forgot from whence he came. He had the rare balance of charm, true loyalty to his family and friends, and real compassion. I´ll never forget him defending me in the old courthouse at Chicago Ave and Lasalle for some of my own youthful shenanigans, and he never mentioned it afterwards.
John, you were a Prince in Chicago, and I really admired your joie de vivre. We´ll all miss you. Rest In Peace.
Bob Howington
Michael Cabonargi
February 27, 2023
John was a loving husband and father, a loyal friend and a passionate fighter for the little guy. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Susan Brown
February 27, 2023
Barbara - so sorry about the loss of John. Will keep you & your family in our thoughts & prayers.
Susan
Caroline & Howard Draft
February 27, 2023
Barbara & Family, Our most heartfelt condolences. We were so surprised and saddened when we heard the news. John will always remain in our hearts.
With love, Caroline & Howard Draft
Mark Pope
February 27, 2023
I remember our years at Fenwick together with John, who was whip smart as well as a clever, caring, fun-loving individual. I´m sure that is where his legal successes all stem from. He was larger than life , even then. Rest in Peace, John.
Deepest condolences to his family.
Bob Howington
February 27, 2023
To all the Cooneys and their dear friends- my sincerest condolences. John really was one of a kind. He was smart, comedically funny, generous, kind, and gregarious. We can mourn him, but let´s not forget that joie de vivre, and we must borrow a bit from his free spirit and carry that with us always.
Bobby Howington
D D
February 27, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Taylor & Gaile Leahy
February 27, 2023
Thinking of you all. Sending love and prayers your way.
Julie Baker Baustien
February 27, 2023
Barbara - I am truly saddened by your loss - sending prayers to you and your family
Julie Baker Baustien
John beam
February 27, 2023
Good morning/afternoon! What a wonderful man! Just like his Papa! Wishing condolences to Barbara, and the entire family.
John Beam
Eileen and Rich Reedy
February 27, 2023
Barbara and Family, We have lost one of the great ones and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. I will never forget the unbelievable great times John and I shared. I am truly sorry Eileen and I will be able to grieve with you in person , but know that we will be there in spirit. Eileen and Rich Reedy
Tim McKay
February 26, 2023
John was an old time friend and just plain great guy to so many. He will be greatly missed and left us way too young. Like his father Ace, he was admired by all who knew him. Will always cherish the memories of our great Fenwick days, to Loyola law school days, to our fun times in the States Attorney´s Office together. He was a great attorney with an awesome funny wit and alluring Irish charm who made everyone feel special just to be John´s friend!
I pray that our Dear Lord grant John His infinite Mercy, and bestow on John His peace, eternal joy and that special mansion in Heaven prepared just for John.
With sincere sympathy to the entire Cooney family, Rest in Peace John.
Tim McKay of
Naples, Fl.
Bill McGah
February 26, 2023
Saddened and shocked by the news of John´s passing. Our families go back to our Dads being classmates at Fenwick (class of `41) and then they worked together at the States Attorneys office in the early 50´s, to us growing up a few blocks apart in St. Giles Parish and Fenwick, and a few summers that Cooneys rented a cottage in Grand Beach. My condolences to the Cooney family.
Kirk Hartley
February 26, 2023
Hard to believe John is gone at 68. Few people touch as many other lives as did John, both directly through litigation and through his support for research against cancer and other good causes. This very sad news takes me back to first meeting John in the mid-1980s when we were both baby lawyers on opposite sides of the v. in Cook County asbestos litigation. We intersected for the next almost 40 years in a range of contexts. John could be tough as nails, but he also was quick to shake a hand, smile and buy a drink for all in the vicinity. A lion of the bar has passed. Sending good thoughts and prayers for his family and colleagues ....
Thomas Kwiatkowski
February 26, 2023
Dear Barbara and family, Barbara and I were shocked to hear of John´s passing today. What a gentleman and gentle man. The Cooney name is held in high esteem both in business and socially. The world has lost one of the best and his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. May the Cooney family find comfort in having John around for 68 wonderful years. God bless. Sincerely Tom and Barbara Kwiatkowski.
Alfred Wolin
February 26, 2023
John was a gentleman and a scholar, a formula for his success. He provided me the opportunity to participate in the asbestos trust world for which I will be eternally grateful . May his silent voice always be heard by those who knew and loved him. Rest In Peace.
Patrick Higgins '72
February 26, 2023
A friend who assisted many a Fenwick HS classmate through an abundance of humor & pragmatic guidance . May he RIP .
John and Sandy Hatch
February 26, 2023
John´s smile, wit and friendship cannot be replaced.Our condolences to Barbara and the entire Cooney Family. He will surely be missed. May he Rest In Peace
Paul Gridelli
February 26, 2023
John was a great lawyer, and more importantly, a great human being. Condolences to his family. We had many good times together back in the day. Rest in peace, John.
Bill Lehman and Diane Bjorkman
February 26, 2023
Barbara and family, Diane and I send our deepest condolences for your loss. We will remember his big smile, big heart, and quick wit. May you find some comfort in the thoughts and prayers of your many friends.
Martin Farrell
February 26, 2023
I met John at Fenwick H.S. and we quickly became great friends. John was intelligent, humorous and processed maybe the sharpest wit I have ever experienced. He also had artistic ability and he could have been a cartoonist if the lawyer gig did not work out. Bored with Fenwick, we kept each other sane sending cartoons back and forth. Some of those moments were the best laughs I have ever had. The world is a sadder place without John. My condolences to Barbara and John's Family. We are all better human beings because we knew John.
Jimmy Brandstrader
February 26, 2023
Finest man I have ever met. John looked down on no one. Big loss for all of us.
Jan O'Connor
February 25, 2023
Dear Barbara, Thinking of you & your family at this very sad time. My love & prayers Jan O'Connor
Matt Bergman
February 25, 2023
John was a leader, a hero and a quintessential mensch. In difficult situations he was invariably the "reasonable man" whose warmth and sincerity brought out the best in all of us. John's understated wisdom steered us through many difficult challenges and his steadfast integrity furnished the beacon of a natural leader. May his memory be for a blessing.
Jim Morici
February 25, 2023
My deepest condolences to Barbara and the children. John and I were ASAs together in traffic court and remained friends in the trial bar. He was one of my favorite people, his wit was such a joy I couldn´t help but laugh when around him. We´ve lost a cherished friend. Prayers for him and for all. Jim Morici
David M. McClain
February 25, 2023
John was one of the most special people who have ever walked this planet. I will always treasure my times with him. The world lost a giant of a man. My heartfelt condolences to Barbara and his entire family. - David McClain.
Larry R. Rogers, Jr.
February 25, 2023
John was truly a great friend and fighter for everyday people who will truly be missed.
Judy Moroni Martin
February 25, 2023
John is part of the patchwork quilt of my life's memories. He was part of a very special group of St. Giles Lions one year older than my group who lived their lives with joy and love for each other. My deepest condolences to his dear family near and far. Judy Moroni Martin
Linda& Patrick Bradley
February 25, 2023
John & his infectious smile will be sorely missed by so many. Our deepest sympathy to Barb & family. Fondly, Linda & Patrick Bradley
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