John Richard Cooley

John Richard Cooley of Homosassa passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 96.

Jack was born on January 2, 1930, in Tuxedo, NY, to Dorothy (Newell) and Russell Cooley, Jr. After graduating high school in Hawthorne, NY, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, becoming one of the first jet engine mechanics of the era. Following his active duty, he joined the NY Air National Guard, graduated from the Academy of Aeronautical Engineering, and later served in the Maine Air National Guard.

His civilian career was in maintenance management, including Volkswagen of America, and he retired from General Electric Co. He volunteered many years as an audio technician at First United Methodist Church of Homosassa. His passion of the last 50 years was building and flying RC aircraft; he spent many hours "at the field" in Florida with good friends at Hernando Aero Modelers.

Jack married his hometown sweetheart, Anna Lemke, in 1953; they were blessed with 63 years together before her passing on March 20, 2017. He is survived by his daughters, Diane Mills and Sharon Cooley, both of Homosassa, and his son, James (Debra) Cooley of Orlando.

A graveside service of military honors presented by the Marion County Honor Guard will be held on Friday, April 10, at 11:30 a.m. at Fountains Memorial Park in Homosassa. Arrangements by Macrini Wilder Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be considered to the Hernando Aero Modelers, PO Box 5198, Spring Hill, FL 34612-5198.