GLOUCESTER: James “Robert” Cooney, 85, retired Gloucester Fire Chief, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2011, in the Beverly Hospital. He was the husband of Elizabeth A. “Betty” (Boughton) Cooney.
Born in Gloucester on June 1, 1925, he was the son of the late Frank J., Sr. and Alice V. (Pratt) Cooney. A lifelong resident of Gloucester, he had grown up on Hartz Street and was a graduate of the Gloucester High School.
A U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, he was a signalman and second class radioman. Honorably discharged in February of 1946, he was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal.
After leaving the military, Bob went to work for D. F. Harris and Sons, Cape Ann Tool Company, Thomas Sail Loft and was employed as a watch repairman for Boughton Jewelers before becoming a firefighter. He was with the Fire Department for over 30 years and fought all the major fires on the waterfront, as well as downtown and throughout the city. He began as a private, studying hard he moved up the ranks, eventually becoming Chief of the Fire Department in the early eighties. He worked with some of the best, smartest and toughest firefighters of all time, too many to name, and was well respected by all.
Bob enjoyed golfing, skiing with friends, Good Harbor Beach, going to Foxwoods on the first Thursday of every month, Bingo and his daily walks on Stacy Boulevard. He especially loved visiting with his grandchildren every Tuesday and family get-togethers. He was also very involved with the Gloucester United Methodist Church and sang in the choir.
In addition to his wife of sixty-three years, he is survived by three children; Christine, wife of William Lodge, Robert Cooney, companion of Ganine Montgomery and Stephen, husband of Faye (Curcuru) Cooney; six grandchildren, Nathan Lang, Torrie, wife of Steve Nguyen, Brock and Adam Cooney, Jillian and Johnathan Cooney; three great-grandchildren, Ashley, Madison and Taylor Nguyen; sister, Barbara, wife of Art Kangas; his former daughter-in-law, Victoria Cooney and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by brothers, Frank and Harold Cooney, also former firefighters.
His memorial service will be held on Monday morning, May 2nd in the Gloucester United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Gloucester United Methodist Church, 436 Washington St., Gloucester, MA 01930.