1947 – 2014
Putnam – Major Bernard “Barney” Cooney, 66, of School St., died Saturday, May 24, 2014, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. He was the loving husband of Diane E. (Courcy) Cooney. Born in Providence, RI. , he was the son of the late Henry and Catherine (Corcoran) Cooney.
Major Cooney served his country for four years as a sergeant in the Air Force, including a tour in the Vietnam War. He later served for over 20 years with the RI Army National Guard, retiring as a major. After retiring, he became a photojournalist for newspapers including the Webster Times, the Observer Patriot and Speedway Scene.
Barney’s interests included nature photography, canoeing, sailing, and model-making. A military historian, he enjoyed collecting and shooting antique rifles. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. He was a volunteer fireman and EMT with fire departments in Pascoag, RI, and Putnam, CT. Barney will be remembered for his storytelling and sharp wit. He had the ability to relate to everyone he came across, and to remain calm in difficult situations.
In addition to his wife of 42 years, Barney is survived by two sons, Michael Cooney and his wife Jennifer of Moosup, and David Cooney of Putnam; brother, Richard Cooney and his wife Dorothy of Barrington, RI; sister, Frances Burnell of Littleton, NH; cousin Susan Schwartze, and her husband George of Saunderstown, RI; grandson, Matthew Cooney; and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Barney’s family from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2014 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT. A gathering will begin in the funeral home at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, May 31, 2014 followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. in St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 63 Grove St, Putnam, CT. Burial will follow in West Thompson Cemetery, Thompson, CT with a reception after at St. Philips Church. Memorial donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, 60 Darlin St., East Hartford, CT 06108-320. Checks should be made to Connecticut Rivers Council, in honor of Bernard Cooney. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Dennis Mania
So sorry to hear of his passing. As kids we grabbed car bumpers as they turned from Norris Ave onto Bucklin St in Pawtucket during winter when the roads were covered in ice/snow as well as street hockey. Hung out Fri nights by bowling alleys on Central Ave smoking Winston’s and snuck a beer or two or was it five or six. He was the funniest guy at Tolman HS . Joined civil air patrol as seniors in HS. After graduation joined AF together and headed to Lackland for basic trng (Flight 1667). We left on a Fri and arrived on Mon around 0630. We went by train due to an airline strike. Great fun.
A great person and glad to say friend…my deepest sympathy.. Dennis
Annie Seebeck
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all..
Helen Dobosz
So sorry for your loss. On the bright side, congratulations on the upcoming happy event of another grandson.
Helen Dobosz
John D. Ryan
Barney was a talented colleague. RIP.
Karen
Dick and Dot…so sorry on the recent passing of your brother/brother in law..too young..but his obit gives testimony to his personality. I would have liked to have met him..My prayers are with you both.Karen and Tom
Connie&John O'Riley
Connie and I just learned of Barney’s passing, today.
He was, obviously. accomplished in a number of ways and had a full life,but it ended way too soon.
We want to express our sincere sympathy to the entire family for their
loss
Gerry DeLuca
I only found out almost a year later of the death of Barney Cooney. I knew him for only a month during Air Force training camp at Lackland in 1966. I occupied the upper bunk; he had the lower. I never saw him after that, yet I never forgot his good-natured humor, constant smile, and witty sense of humor. I have forgotten virtually everyone else, but I never forgot him. Belated condolences to his extended family.