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Charles "Chris" Cooney

1941 - 2019

BORN

1941

DIED

2019

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Charles Cooney Obituary

Charles C. Cooney

Born: October 12, 1941

Died: August 2nd, 2019

Charles Christopher "Chris" Cooney passed away peacefully on August 2nd, 2019.

The eldest child of Charles and Ruth Cooney, Chris was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on October 12, 1941. A graduate of Cathedral Prep High School and Gannon University, Chris went on to proudly serve as a Marine in the Vietnam War where he earned two Bronze Stars. After the war, he went on to become a titan of industry as one of the founding members of Tellabs.

Accomplished in every sense of the word, Chris was most proud of his labor of love as a father to Sara (Michael) Schimmel, Brendan (Denise) Cooney, and Chris (Mara) Cooney. An adoring grandfather to 13 grandchildren- Mac, Sam, Emma, Matthew, Ben, Jack, Natalie, Audrey, Graham, Charlie, Patrick, Declan, Brendan, and a loyal brother to Dan Cooney, Karen (Tom) Breese, and Robin Cooney.

Chris will be remembered for his extensive philanthropic work. Among his most notable contributions were the Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation, The Scarlet and Gold Committee of the Marine Corps, Gannon University, and the Disabled Patriot Fund.

Chris's legacy will be carried on by his adoring family and friends, the many lives he influenced as a mentor, and by the countless communities he touched through his generosity and grace. As a founding member of Black Sheep Golf Club, he will be missed by his friends on the course and beyond. Chris led a full and interesting life and was one of the most humble and generous men anyone will ever know. Semper FiOorah!!

Family and Friends to meet at St. Joan of Arc Church 820 Division St., Lisle Saturday August 10, 2019 from 10-11:30 A.M. for Visitation. Funeral Mass to immediately follow at 11:30 A.M. Interment private. Arrangements entrusted to West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Anthony P. Cappetta & Son Directors. Info 630-852-8000 or www.westsuburbanfh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Butterfield Scholarship Fund 2800 Midwest Rd, Oakbrook, IL 60523. Marine Corp Scholarship Fund909 North Washington Street,Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22314 www.mcsf.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Suburban Life Publications from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Cooney

Sponsored by Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Downers Grove.

Not sure what to say?





Chris Cooney

November 18, 2020

Condolances for your loss.

chuck and cj bigart

August 29, 2019

Chris was a very down to earth but talented guy. My husband Chuck Bigart worked for him in Illinois and had nothing but respect for him. We will miss you Chris and God Bless.

Gayle Legner

August 16, 2019

I am heartbroken to hear about this. So many good memories. Sending love to the entire Clooney clan.

Vicki Pate

August 13, 2019

Chris was my neighbor, and although I did not know him long, I found him to be a wonderful person. He said he loved the noise from my grandkids and friends using my pool. Many neighbors would complain, but not Chris. We shared experiences with Alzheimer's as my husband also died from it. Wish I could have known Chris longer.

Lisa Hughes

August 12, 2019

Sending my heartfelt sympathy to my cousin and Godfather. You were such a gentle and wonderful man. Love and prayers to Dan, Karen and Robin

Sending heartfelt sympathy to my cousin and Godfather.

Lisa Hughes

August 12, 2019

Sending my heartfelt sympathy to my cousin and Godfather. You were always special in my heart. Love and prayers to Dan, Karen and Robin

Lisa Cooney Hughes

August 12, 2019

John Pociask

August 12, 2019

My deepest and most sincere condolences to the Cooney family. I spent almost twenty years at Tellabs and enjoyed Chris' wit, sense of humor and sincerity. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace and may your grief pass quickly.

John Pociask

Frank O'Donnell

August 10, 2019

Godspeed

Michael Cassa

August 10, 2019

My condolences to family and friends of Chris Cooney. I knew him from his many years of service as a member of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC). He was a very nice man who was liked and respected by our board members and staff. Rest In Peace, Chris.

Peaceful Passage Arrangement

Jennifer Manuel

Sent Flowers

Charles Laffiteau

August 9, 2019

My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the entire Cooney clan, especially Brendan, Chris, Sara and Dan. Chris truly was a "salt of the earth guy" and one of the finest gentleman I have ever known. It was my privilege to know him as both a friend and as a boss for almost 2 decades and the world would be a better place if there were more people like him. R.I.P. Semper fi

carol Sittinger

August 9, 2019

So sorry to hear about Chris.

Ralph Lambka Lambka

August 9, 2019

To the Family, Chris gave me my start in the Telecom/DataComm business at Tellabs. I cold called him for an interview, and he was open to the discussion. A few months later my career in the business started. He was a great boss, and offered solid advice. Once after winning a deal that I felt was the result of dumb luck, he responded "Ralph, you don't catch fish unless you are trolling." He was a very good man.
Ralph Lambka

Joe Parsons

August 9, 2019

My condolences and prayers go out to the Cooney family on the loss of a father, grandfather, and friend to many. Chris served his country honorably in what many thought was an unpopular war at the time. He later became a successful developer and sales leader at Tellabs who he helped founded. He was also an accomplished golfer of a game he loved dearly. Rest in peace Chris.

Dalton and Judy Burgett

August 9, 2019

A great friend for over 50 years. Remembering the days when Christmas was a pharmaceutical rep before his success with Tellabs here in Jamestown NY We stayed in touch all these years and spent some great times in Scotland and Ireland. We will miss you Jabronie! Judy and I send our condolences to the Cooney clan.

Sanjay Patel

August 8, 2019

RIP Chris, it was an honor to know you and thank you for being a fantastic buddy, mentor and guide through my many years at Tellabs, forever grateful to you. Condolences to your family, thinking of you all, esp Brendon (sorry for your loss mate). Take care... Sanjay

Audi McGee

August 8, 2019

Our deepest and sincere condolences to all of Chris's family. Although I didn't know the family personally, I did know Chris for over 22 years at Tellabs. His smiles and Humor was infectious, I'll remember him fondly.

Audi McGee

August 8, 2019

Never enough time. I will forever remember you photo hanging in "A" building, with no socks on. LOL. Always smiling, Now you can join Mike in a good round of golf, and lots of laughter. R.I.P.

Christine Pfefferle

August 8, 2019

I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Chis for over 20 years at Tellabs. Such a wonderful man and mentor. He was the only executive I've ever known that could call me Chrissy and I never minded. My sincere condolences to his family as I know he will be missed. What a wonderful life he had!

Christine Pfefferle

Lisa Savignano

August 7, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this time. He was a wonderful man.

Armand Chimenti

August 7, 2019

Dan,
Kathy and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your brother Chris.
Armand

Bill Dunlavey

August 7, 2019

Chris was one of the good guys and will be missed.Semper Fi.
Bill Dunlavey

Sleep in Peace Wreath

Barbara McCarthy

Sent Flowers

Jim Maloney

August 6, 2019

Chris has been a valued friend, from H.S. to college to regular connections over the years.

Suzy Colie

August 6, 2019

Thank you Chris for making the good old days at Tellabs fun. RIP

Colleen Cubit (Cooney)

August 6, 2019

So sorry for your loss. May the good memories carry you through this tough time. Your family will be in my prayers.

Ted Schaal

August 6, 2019

As a fellow Marine I will never forget seeing what was carved into the massive door to Chris's bedroom when I visited---Eagle, Globe and Anchor, the Marine Corp insignia.

Semper Fi

Ted Schaal, Evergreen, CO Aug 06, 2019

Tim Cooney

August 6, 2019

Sincerest condolences to Chris's family. He was a genuinely fine person.

Dave& Sheila Pierce

August 6, 2019

Our deepest sympathy to Chris's family. Rest In Peace, dear old friend.

Scott Allen

August 6, 2019

Sorry to hear of Chris's passing. Condolences to his family and Karen, Dan, and Robin.

Chip Spain

August 6, 2019

One of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. I worked for and with Chris for 22 years and always marveled
at his way with customers and people in general. He had a unique ability to relate to all types of people and make them feel comfortable in his presence. What a wonderful guy. He'll be missed by all that knew him

Robert Mann

August 6, 2019

Hope you had a great life, Chris! Rest in Peace fellow classmate from Sacred Heart Grade School.

Jacque Askins (DeLuca)

August 6, 2019

Awe, Karen and family, I lost two brothers and understand your pain. So sorry. He sounded like an amazing man. He'll watch over all of you now.

Judy Emling

August 6, 2019

My deepest sympathy to Karen, Danny, and Robin.

Although I hadn't seen Chris in years, his personality remains indelible in my mind. Chris was kind and so humble.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Judy

Dick Toth

August 5, 2019

Chris brought me to Tellabs in 1978, nothing but wonderful memories!
Your spirit lives on. R.I.P

Susan Cooney-Sokolowski

August 5, 2019

Deepest sympathy to your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cousin Susie

Paul Dwyer

August 5, 2019

God Bless my Friend Chris.... Praying

Kelly Bolger

August 5, 2019

So sorry for your loss.

Patti Cooney Miller

August 5, 2019

Dear Family in IL,

You are in our hearts and prayers,
with loving memories of Chris,
from Uncle Jack's kids.

Dave Miller

August 5, 2019

RIP Buddy, safe trip. Oorah!

Robyn Goldman

August 5, 2019

R.I.P. dear Chris knowing you made a difference in so many lives. You made me smile in the 25 year tenure of my employment at Tellabs but I also remember your warm and soft side. You will be missed.

Thomas Selakovich

August 5, 2019

I enjoyed seeing you at Blacksheep and talking golf

Roger Shope

August 5, 2019

Chris was my mentor, friend and boss at Tellabs. He always put our friendship ahead of any employer/employee relationship and kept me out of trouble (most who know me, will understand this statement). I loved the guy, not just for the opportunity to enjoy a financial life style that my wife and I could never have imagined; but also his genuine concern for me as a friend. Twenty year have passed since the Tellabs' days but it is as fresh as yesterday. Bravo Zulu Chris !!

Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results

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Memorial Events
for Charles Cooney

Aug

10

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

St. Joan of Arc Church

820 Division St., Lisle, IL

Aug

10

Funeral Mass

11:30 a.m.

St. Joan of Arc Church

820 Division St., Lisle, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Downers Grove

4920 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515

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