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Norman Cooley Obituary
FACS , born January 9, 1927 in Santa Monica, California, died peacefully on February 9, 2007, in San Diego. Dr. Cooley graduated from Santa Monica High School and Occidental College. He received his medical degree from University of Southern California and completed a surgical residency at the Naval Hospital San Diego. Dr. Cooley practiced general surgery in San Diego for 12 years. Following a life-long dream, he reentered the Navy taking first a position in Washington D.C. until selected as Commanding Officer of the Naval Hospital in Naples, Italy. After four memorable years in Italy he was promoted to Commanding Officer of the Naval Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia where he commanded until his retirement in 1983. After practicing for an additional four years in Santa Paula, California, he finally retired in 1987, moving back to San Diego, where he had resided until his death.
Dr. Cooley, a violin player since childhood, was a lover and supporter of music his entire life.
Dr. Cooley was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Martha Ann Hoover Cooley. He leaves behind his loving wife, Lucy Montalvo, M.D., his daughters, Camille Cooley King, Candace Vale Cooley and Noel Vale Cooley, son Norman Vale Cooley, III, sons-in-law, Scottow A. King and Thiess Dettmer, granddaughters, Grace and Harriet King, and Phoebe Dettmer, stepsons, Gabriel A. and Marcelo F. Garzo, brother, James Rudolph Cooley.
He will be remembered for his wonderful intelligence, wit and memory, love of family, tremendous energy and final dignity. His sense of humor endured until the end of his life and the family is comforted knowing that he sleeps in the arms of Christ.
Services will be held at Saint Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 16275 Po merado Road, Poway, 92064, at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2007. Visitation prior to service from 10:00 a.m. to 1`0:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Music Department of Saint Bartholomew's Church.
Poway-Bernardo Mortuary
(858) 748-4101
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Cooley
6 Entries
Terry Roy, LCDR/Ret
April 10, 2021
Recently I began reminiscing about people I had known, liked and respected. Dr Cooley was one of those. I was one of two Nurse Anesthetists at Naval Hospital Naples when he arrived to take command; I served almost my entire three years with him as CO. I have many fond memories of him and his kindness. In my twenty year career in the Navy, he was one of the finest Commanding Officers it was my pleasure to serve under.
I wish I had had the opportunity to pass this on sooner.
Me-Me LeBlanc
February 22, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of my dear uncle's death. He had always been so kind to my grandmother and all of our family. I most remember him for his wit and sense of humor during my younger years. I know he will be missed by many.
Hasan A. Benler, M.D.
February 17, 2007
Dr. Cooley was my Commanding Officer, colleague and mentor. My heartfelt condolences to his spouse, Lucy Montalvo, M.D. and his entire family.
Jill Dodd-White
February 14, 2007
Sad to hear of our loss of such a warm, delightful man. He was a favorite dotor to work with and will be remembered for his smile, wit and generous, helpful spirit.
Lucy my thought are with you, hold on to those wonderful memories.
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JEAN COPPER
February 13, 2007
WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DR COOLEY'S PASSING. WAS ALWAYS SO KIND AND HELPFUL AT WORK. HE WILL BE MISSED. MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY BUT ESPECIALLY YOU, DR LUCY.
Susan Schelkun
February 12, 2007
Norman was an officer and a true gentleman. I loved him and will miss him tremendously.
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