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Kevin Cooney Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Cooney
Jackie Moore
August 21, 2025
Back in the day, this was my Fort Lauderdale buddy who would call me up on Sundays and say "Jackie, Come on out and play!" which meant spending a great day sailing around the Intracoastal waterway on his boat where he would buy drinks for EVERYONE and I do mean EVERYONE, you couldn't find a more generous soul who "lived in the moment" and created an infectious environment where everyone felt the need to do so as well. I was 30 and he was 45, now I'm 61 and have long since moved away from South Florida, but I'll never forget those fond memories of my buddy, my pal, my friend...with blinding tears awaiting a flight at an airport, I can only look up and say "Kevin you left a forever impact on a young African American lady, who is so glad she accepted offers to 'come on out and play'...until we meet again, sleep well. RIH
jim mescall
March 8, 2023
Kevin Cooney was the Great Gatsby of the Chicago lakefront. Everyone loved him.
SC
July 14, 2021
Kevin, I´m so sorry we didn´t talk for quite awhile! I think you know what an impact you made on my life! THANK YOU! Until we "accidentally" meet again.
Gary Bellamy
June 15, 2021
Kevin, RIP. T
Today of all days, I looked up the one friend that really stood out during my summer construction jobs in Chicago. I really enjoyed the Green Bay road trips and your consistent humor and great attitude.
Chris Confer
May 17, 2021
This one has hit me. It has been about 5 years since I spoke to Kevin. We met in ST. Thomas and became friends right away. He was the most giving person I have ever met. I have so many fun memories being on his boat in the Caribbean. Kevin, you will be missed my friend.
Mary Cooke
May 12, 2021
My heart is heavy with sadness today learning that Kevin has left us so soon. His mischievous ways brought fun and adventure to every gathering. His kindness and generosity was unsurpassed. His heart was so open to all people, and he loved bringing people together. Too many fond memories to count. Though successful in business, he was always approachable and kind. He was generous with advice, and genuinely concerned with the outcome.
My special friend you were so loved, and will be so missed. His last "Ditch" was hopefully the way he would have wanted it. To all his friends...he would not like all this saddness...so raise your glass "Cheers to Kevin!" To Kevin's family...so deeply sorry for your loss. May all your treasured memories comfort you.
Eleni Bisbis
April 14, 2021
My condolences and greatest empathy to the entire Cooney family.
Julie and Dave Pasciak
April 14, 2021
Sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts. Julie and Dave
Frick (of Frick & Frack)
April 11, 2021
Still in a bit of shock you´re gone. You were one of the best people I´ve ever met. From an epic trip in St Thomas 15 years ago to many Chicago days, it was always a blast. You also showed me- as a law student when I met you- that just because you have a law degree doesn´t mean you have to be boring. Thank you
Shawn Dion
April 11, 2021
You will be missed, my friend.God Bless. We had some great times maybe, you can find the Cabana up there?
Alexandria Taylor
April 5, 2021
You were such an awesome friend to me. Drinks and hangs in heaven are imminent.
Mary Connelly Burns
March 20, 2021
Your Mom's good looks, your father's sense of humor and as your Grandma Cooney would say, "What a Rip". May you rest in peace in the arms of Christ.
Pierre
March 18, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with all Kevin’s family and friends at this saddened time.
Love
Pierre, Marilyn and family.
Pierre
March 18, 2021
To our best friend and boss. Kev you
always made everyone you met feel so welcome with your kindness, generosity and fun loving spirit. We
have so many fond memories with you on Rising Expectations that will always be in our hearts. You made us laugh, you made us smile and now that you have gone you made us cry. We will miss Our Master and Commander. We are so blessed to have been part of your life. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Pierre and Marilyn
JIM "The Rev" Bland
March 17, 2021
I meant to add that I feel confident that God and Jesus have welcomed Kevin the same way he always welcomed his friends.
Maureen Edwards
March 17, 2021
I met Kevin over 20 years ago and am sorry to hear of his passing. We had way too much fun and know that he will be taking care of business with the rest of the angels! This was such a beautiful soul and thinking that he had another reason to check out so early!! Wishing his family so much peace and comfort that he lived a really great life!
robert stofan
March 17, 2021
joanne May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sydney Asensio
March 17, 2021
Kevin, you are already missed by so many! Rest in peace to a great man.
Anthony J. Geroulis, MD
March 17, 2021
My prayers for Kevin and the family. He will be very missed.
Oscar
March 17, 2021
Kevin is on and the most respectful, nice will one a great person! r.i.p kevin MR COONEY
Carlos Delaosa
March 17, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.My deepest condolences to J. moss and the family, Kevin was a brother to me.
Van Hante
March 15, 2021
I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the Cooney Family. Kevin was always there to help people. He gave me a chance to start a business in the Title business and I will never forget him for that. He had the best South Side personality and also was a very successful businessman. May his Memory be Eternal.
Peter Birnbaum
March 15, 2021
Kevin was once of the most innovated and talented people i have ever known. He was a great mentor to countless people.AS a young law student and later as a lawyer Kevin gave me opportunities that allowed me to enjoy a wonderful career. As a boss he was like a cool dad- we towed the line not our of fear , but rather out of respect for him.
Patrick Graber
March 15, 2021
The Blue Angels should do a missing man formation for Kevin for all the support he showed them in Chicago
Patty Forsythe
March 14, 2021
I am at Kevin in Fort Lauderdale over 20 years ago. He introduced me to so many wonderful people there and also in Chicago. So many wonderful memories of boating and just having fun with all of our friends. I just don’t think I’ve ever met anybody quite like Kevin and I know he will be missed by his family and all of his friends he loves her so much. My thoughts and prayers are with everybody who is grieving over this loss.
Joanne P. Elliott
March 13, 2021
Kevin
Was an amazing mentor and friend. He was my first boss out of law school. I learned so much from him about the law, marketing and how to run a successful business. He was the life of the party and a great friend. He will be missed by many.
Joanne Elliott
Mike n Jeanine Roeder
March 13, 2021
45 yrs ago today Kevin was a groomsman in our wedding. He was a very special friend to Jeanine and I for many years. Kevin went above and beyond a friendships role in helping our families in many ways. We will miss him very much and are grateful for the years we had. We loved him very much. “Minnows never stop swimming “. Mike and Jeanine Roeder
John Jennison
March 13, 2021
From a friend! You will be missed.
Rest In Peace!!
John Jennison
Jack & Anita McLaughlin
March 12, 2021
From the Chicago area to South Florida and beyond, everyone that knew Kevin, or even met him once, would all say the same thing, “what a generous and fun loving guy”. Left us way too early. But, left a helluva legacy along the way.
Kelly Wong
March 12, 2021
Hey Maverick this is Goose. You weren't suppose punch out this soon. You will surely be missed.
Chelsea
March 12, 2021
Kevin was one of the friendliest and most fun people I have ever met. He was so generous, always creative, would talk to absolutely anyone and make them happy. I feel honored to have known him and spend time with him. He will be incredibly missed by all. Wishing all the strength to the family, friends and community who loved him. Thank you for sharing your spirit with us Kev.
Florentina West
March 12, 2021
I will never forget his kindness. May God give him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain.
Tami Pearl
March 12, 2021
As a boater I met Kevin as he was arriving to his slip in Saugatuck. First time we met he was always kind, fun and had a good soul. He will be missed very very much.
Noemi Rivera
March 12, 2021
Our dearest Kevin, the ocean, sun & all of us are grieving your physical absence, you will for ever be missed. Deepest condolences to your great family, may you Rest In Peace! Love & God bless you.
Tami Pearl
March 12, 2021
I'm a boater in Saugatuck Michigan every year. When Kevin and his crew would arrive at his slip there was always fun happening which would draw other boaters to welcome him. He always made me feel welcome to join and meet his crew. He was a kind, thoughtful, fun, crazy, and an all around a great guy. Saugatuck boaters and others will miss him very much!!!
Noemi Rivera
March 12, 2021
Our dear Kevin the ocean is grieving your physical absence, thank you for your friendship! My deepest condolences to your family, may you Rest In Peace miss you for ever
Julianne
March 12, 2021
Kevin was the center of the party. My heart will forever be broken this is a huge loss to Everyone who knew Kevin he was such a wonderful loving kind sold and I’m so blessed to have met him.May you rest in peace Kevin love you to pieces
Jim Mescall
March 12, 2021
He was a legend on Chicago's lakefront, a true generous gentleman. Bravo Zulu, Capt Kevin.
Jerry McNicholas
March 11, 2021
Kevin was one funniest and generous individuals I have ever known. Theres is no situation he couldn’t turn into a good time. He will truly be missed.
Denise (Hotchkiss) Carrillo
March 11, 2021
Fond memories of Kevin-going on vacations to Cadillac Michigan with the Cooney Clan.Very sad to hear of his passing. Love and condolences to my Cooney cousins and their families.
Jim Frainey
March 11, 2021
Kevin took Holly and I on his boat to the Bahamas on a New Years Day in the 90´s. Bahamians celebrate Junkanoo on New Years , and as I´m looking around for Kevin, I find him marching down the street with a group of Bahamians and had a huge paper mache hat on! Will never forget it. Thanks for the memories Kevin. Rest In Peace.
Kim
March 11, 2021
We happened upon Kevin at a tiki bar in Ft Lauderdale, come to find out we had many mutual friends in Chicago, such a friendly, out going and interesting fellow, may he Rest In Peace.
Dan, Kim & Katie Clancy
Bob Geist
March 10, 2021
Kevin was the most fun loving and generous person I ever met. His goal was always to ensure that everyone would have a good time. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed.
Carol Kucharski
March 10, 2021
Kevin introduced us to so many friendships - and how he loved Chicago as we all do - he truly was the life of the party - we will all miss him
Dickie Jennison
March 10, 2021
Kevin was a very dear friend since we were in grammar school together at St. Linus! He had such a generous heart and was the first to offer help to his friends when they were in need and never asked for anything in return. He was too young to be taken from us, but his spirit will always remain with us. "Minnows" never stop swimming!!!
Patricia Ray
March 10, 2021
Kevin was as kind as he was generous . Kevin was a larger than life personality always ready for a good time with his many friends. So many great memories of a truly unique and fun loving man.
He will be missed.
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