Michael Cooney's Obituary
Michael Andrew Cooney passed away November 6, 2024, with his family by his side.
He was born March 5, 1942 in Decatur, Illinois, the oldest child of Harry and Mary Emily (Auth) Cooney. He graduated from St. Teresa High School in 1960. On October 23, 1971, he married Jennifer Jill Ubbenga at St. Thomas Church in Decatur. Mike held a myriad of job titles and had a role in quite a few businesses in his life: Paperboy, Dairy Twirl, Cooney’s Circle Inn, Meat cutter, U.S. Navy, Navy Reserve, Naval recruiter, Premio Pizza, and the Pro Dive Shop.
Mike loved diving. He was a Master SCUBA instructor and as the owner of Pro Dive Shop, he certified over 1,000 divers. He spent many years with the Boy Scouts of America, as a troop leader and taught the SCUBA merit badge at Rhodes France Boy Scout Camp. Mike attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree many times and was on the SCUBA staff.
Alongside his wife of 53 years, Jill, he is survived by: sons, Shane Thomas Cooney (Lara Heideman) of Euless, TX; Ryan Benjamin Cooney of Anchorage, AK; daughter, Erin Elizabeth Cooney (Jon Sommers) of Decatur, IL; favorite grandson, Aidan Andrew Cooney, favorite granddaughter, Sidney Ann Cooney, and their mother, Jennifer Miller Cooney of Anchor Point, AK; sister, Anne Mary Cooney of Tinley Park, IL; and many special friends, including Kevin Kirby and his family.
In addition to his parents, Harry and Emily, Mike is preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Joseph Cooney.
The family of Michael Cooney will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Prayer service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Decatur. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., the family will be hosting a luncheon at American Legion Post 105, 1535 Legion Dr, Decatur, IL 62521.
Memorials can be made to Macon County Honor Guard, Gary Sinise Foundation, or Coral Restoration Foundation.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Mike
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