Final Salute

Earl J. Cooney was born on May 19, 1918 and passed away peacefully on June 19, 2014. A native of Anaconda, Montana, he lived the past two and a half years in Castro Valley and prior to that in Lincoln, Santa Rosa and San Francisco. Following high school, he joined the Conservation Civilian Corp at Flathead Lake. A year later, he worked in the smelters (copper mines) in Anaconda. Shortly after World War II started, he signed up as an Iron Worker for the Judson Pacific-Murphy Corporation until he enlisted in the US Navy. His assignment was the Seabees and he was stationed in Guam and the Philippines during World War II. After the war, he moved to SF where he met his true love, Lorraine. They were married on June 25, 1949. Earl was a SF Firefighter and Inspector and retired after 30 years of service. Earl was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lorraine, his parents, Owen and Mary Cooney, siblings, John, Lillian, Mary, and Cecilia, and his in-laws, Maurice and Dorothy Cummings. Survivors include his children Michael (Celeste), Kevin (Pamela), Anita Reynolds (Stanton), Steve (Julie), Tim (Alyson), nineteen grand-children and ten great grand-children. Earl is also survived by his brother-in-law Lyle Church (Nancy), sister-in-laws Joan Knutson and Marge Cummings. He enjoyed swimming, golf, playing bridge, and dancing with his “Sweet Lorraine.” Dad loved the Lord, his wife, family, and friends. He was a man of action and always quick to help others. We will miss him dearly and always remember him for his kindness and generosity. Special thanks and gratitude to the committed staff at Willow Creek for their love and dedication in caring for our father, Earl. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on August 2nd at Holy Spirit Church, 1244 St. Francis Rd, Santa Rosa. A Private Burial will follow at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.