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Dr. F. DONALD COONEY M.D.

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King's College

F. COONEY Obituary

Dr. F. DONALD COONEY, M.D. (Age 79)
Passed peacefully on June 26 2016 with his loving wife Claire and his family by his side. Don was born in Sugar Notch, Pennsylvania on May 15, 1937, the sixth of the seven children of Manus and Winifred Cooney. After graduating St. Mary''s High School, he attended Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on academic scholarships. Don then served as an officer in the United States Army. He went on to become Professor and Chairman of Neurosurgery at The Washington Hospital Center and George Washington University Hospital. Don helped to establish and lead The Washington Brain and Spine Institute. Don served on the Board of Directors of MedStar Health and as Chairman of the Board for Connelly School of the Holy Child. He gave generously to numerous charities and was always giving to family and friends in need. Don is survived by his wife of 54 years, Claire; brothers, Joseph (wife Marie) and Tom (wife Nancy); sister Winifred; sons Manus (wife Theresa) and Tim; daughter Kathleen (husband David); granddaughters, Caitlin, Claire, Tara, Caroline, Anna and Amelia; grandson, Donald; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Manus, John, and David. A Remembrance Reception will be held for family and friends on Thursday June 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. A private service is being held prior to the reception. There will be no wake. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Don''s memory be mailed to the "University of Pittsburgh Medical Center''s Lung Transplant Center" for research c/o Shelley Zomak, UPMC, Mailstop HPU010903, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite #C902, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213.

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Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for F. COONEY

22 Entries

Scott Thackston

September 30, 2024

Dr Cooney provided me an excellent Surgical procedure in 1986.

Jack Floyd

April 3, 2023

Dr. Cooney operated on my back in 1975. I was in terrible pain and when I came out of the operation I was fine and have been for the past 48 years. I'm so grateful to Dr. Cooney. Thank you, Dr Cooney!

Mary Jo Morris

April 18, 2021

In Nov., 1984 I was in Suburban Hospital, in traction with "sciatica". Dr, Cooney found me on a mattress learning to manage my "disability". Dr. Cooney sent my therapist away and knelt down beside me and introduced himself. After his tests, he confirmed a ruptured disc and, after 24 hours off pain meds, brought his team in for surgery at 9 p.m. When I awoke, I was pain free for the first time in months. I saw Dr. Cooney once in his office for instructions on recovery and therapy. I asked if I'd have regular checkups and he said that I was discharged. Seeing my dismay, he pointed out that the miracle I received was possible because his time was spent in diagnosis and surgery. He was a true hero or me and for many others and I'll never forget his compassion and willingness to bless my life with his God-given skill. After all these years, he is still a towering figure in my memory and I pray that his loved ones are comforted by the knowledge that his brilliance is still benefiting those he rescued from injury, illness, and pain.

Edna Pike

June 3, 2017

I am devistated to learn of the death of Dr. Cooney. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family, friends and many patients for which I was one. He saved my life and gave me hope for the future. Never have I met a more compassionate, brilliant, truly honest man. I was in his office one morning waiting in a room to be seen. The walls were very thin. For the first time since I had known him there was anger in his voice. I heard him say I don't care if the boy has insurance or not, he needs the surgery and needs it now. Have him in the surgical room by 7:45, I'll pay for it myself. That's the kind of man he was. I will never forget him and always be grateful. If not for Dr. Cooney, I wouldn't be here today. God bless you sir.

Pamela Rizzoli

July 30, 2016

30 July 2016

Dearest Dr. Cooney and Family,
To you, Dear Dr. Cooney, I will always remember you...
And to you Mrs. Cooney, and Family....
I will keep you, Dr. Cooney, and your family in my daily thoughts and prayers. I send you my deepest, most sincere condolences.
I just found out and am so sorry to have missed being with all of you in your time of need...
I speak for my father when I say he was a wonderful and very loving man, and he will be missed...a loving Husband, Father, Neurosurgeon and dear, dear Friend.
With Much Love Always,
Pamela Nikolett P. Varga Rizzoli

July 27, 2016

May the good he did continues to live in the hearts and minds of all those he touched with his kindness and generosity. God also keep those who pass on in his memory because they are precious to him. Psalms 116:15. Annie C. Ga.

Pam Young

July 25, 2016

Dear Mrs. Cooney and Family,

I am heart broken to learn of the loss of your amazing husband and father. It was a honor and a privilege to know and work with Dr. F. Donald Cooney, M.D. at the WHC. He was a extraordinary man; a phenomena, brilliant, compassionate, a great surgeon and a gifted genius.
Ellis and I loved and respected Dr. Cooney. I will always remember how he spoke life, wisdom and truth into our lives.
Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mrs. Cooney. May God comfort you with His love and peace during this difficult time.
Dr. F. Donald Cooney's selfless legacy will live on forever.
With heartfelt condolences,
Pam Amelia Young
Ellis W. McComb

Maria Manning

July 21, 2016

Dear Claire,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband. Though I did not know him long, I always looked forward to seeing him, and you, once every 3 weeks. Please accept my deepest condolences. I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Maria Manning

Geraldine Lucas-Haji

July 18, 2016

In December my daughter Sarah, a dance major at the University of Maryland, suddenly couldn't touch her toes. Dr. Cooney looked at MRIs of a disc and said immediate surgery is necessary "or risk losing feeling in your left leg". Surgery was next morning. I will remember Dr. Cooney for his quick decision to operate, his great skill as a surgeon, his kindness putting a worried mother at ease and the confidence and faith it must be done. I look at the physical strength of my daughter today--10 years later.
I silently thank him for the miracle of his work.

Margaret Brislin

July 14, 2016

So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Clare Donnelly (Ford)

July 4, 2016

Claire.
With my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband.

DEBORAH O'NEAL-PERRY

July 4, 2016

Mrs. Claire, I thank God for the opportunity to know and love Dr COONEY. I worked with him at WHC. Over the years, he taught me so much about Life and Surgery. He was TOUGH,FUNNY,AND CARING. HE WAS LIKE A FATHER TO ME; AND THE ONLY ONE THAT HE WOULD ALLOW TO CALL HIM PAPA! I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM, HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND A GREAT SURGEON!! MRS. CLAIRE, I PRAY THAT THE LORD WRAPS HIS STRONG AND COMFORTING ARM'S AROUND YOU AND BRING YOU THROUGH THIS DARK VALLEY TO A NEW DAY OF HOPE,HEALING, AND PEACE.

M. Gallagher

July 4, 2016

So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and family.

Mary Elizabeth O'Connor

July 3, 2016

Dear Claire and Family,

The death of an unforgettable man, gentle genius and saver of lives is always sad news. What a privilege it is to say that St. Mary's gave us such a good start. Deepest sympathy to you especially, Claire.

Mary Burns

July 3, 2016

Claire and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Sarah Del Signore

July 2, 2016

Dr. Cooney was a true genius, yet a humble man. He treated me like his own. He preformed emergency spinal surgery on me (January 2006). I was a ballet dancer. In a couple minutes of talking, he understood my love of dance. He kindly and gently told me that I could no longer dance for a living any longer. He pushed me to continue at University of Maryland. I did. I successfully recovered from my L-4 surgery and graduated from UMD. I completed my 1st marathon a couple years ago, obtained my Masters from Drexel Univ. and wear my scar proudly. I truly am forever greatful to Dr. Cooney. He was more than a great surgeon, but a wonderful and caring man.

Thank you Dr. Cooney forever changing the course of my life for the better. May you rest in peace.

June 30, 2016

So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the entire Cooney family.

Julie DeVol

June 30, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to the Cooney family.

Julie DeVol

stuart amos

June 30, 2016

Don saved my daughters life and we are so sad to read this notice.
He was a strong and noble man with great compassion. Always had a great sense of humor and just made you feel good.
My whole family are indebted to his gifts.....he will be sorely missed.
Stuart and Suzanne Amos
Katherine, Paul and Jonathan Amos

June 30, 2016

My condolences to the Cooney family. The God of comfort promises to "without fail show you favor at the sound of your outcry; as soon as he hears it he will actually answer you" and help you endure your grieving process. (Isaiah 30:18,19)

June 30, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of your loved one.

John McDaniel

June 30, 2016

Don was an unforgettable character ... Brilliant, tough minded, compassionate and a broad range of interests. As a close friend and neighbor, he will truly be missed !

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