Paul Bertram COOLEY

1946 - 2025

Feb 18, 1946 - Dec 19, 2025

Paul Bertram Cooley passed away at Rockwood South Hill at the age of 79. He was born in Naples, Italy, to American Army Air Corps Staff Sergeant Ralph B. Cooley and Filippina Russo Cooley, an Italian native. Paul arrived in Spokane as an infant and was soon joined by a sister, JoAnn, twin sisters, Barbara and Beverly, and finally a brother, Robert, all within 5 years. Paul's large extended family led to many holiday gatherings and parties filled with pasta, music, and games. Apart from a short time each in Lewiston and Seattle, Paul spent his life in Spokane.

Paul attended Finch Elementary, Glover Jr High, and Shadle Park High School. He played football, the accordion, ran cross country, and sang in All-City Chorus. He was also a member of the Silver Spurs Dance Group, where he performed dances from around the world. After graduation, he married Dana Fichtenberg, and they had two sons, Craig and Brian. Later, Paul married Toni Tompkins, and they had one son, Kevin.

Paul graduated from EWU in 1967 and started teaching at Rogers High School that same year. Paul loved teaching and coaching football, track, and girls' softball. He also received his MBA at Gonzaga University. Paul retired from teaching after 30-plus years but continued to coach girls fast pitch softball for many years. He also worked as an official for college basketball. His love of sports extended to the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks, and he would travel to Seattle often to take in a game with his sons.

After retiring, Paul met Alice Franklin, and together, they enjoyed the free time that retirement brings. They loved visiting Cabo, cruising the Mediterranean, and traveling abroad. Their favorite trips were to Italy, where they enjoyed traveling throughout the country with some of Paul's family, while eating lots of pasta and gelato.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Beverly, and her husband, Ed Bice of Mooresville, NC. He is survived by his partner Alice; his three sons Craig (Kari) of Sammamish, WA, Brian (Deb) of Southington, CT, and Kevin (Nicole) of Bellingham, WA; and his grandchildren Madison Fasano (Nick), Brandon, Hannah, Taylor, Caden & Kai. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: JoAnn and George Talotti of Spokane, Barbara Cooley of Mooresville, NC, and Robert and Mary Cooley of Spokane, in addition to many nieces and nephews.

A private family gathering will be held in the Spring. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur St., Spokane, WA 99202.