Charles J. “Chuck” Cooney, 68, of Peoria, passed away at 1:59 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, 2010, at his home, after a long battle with cancer.
He was born in Peoria on February 3, 1942, a son of John and Betty (MaHarry) Cooney. He was preceded in death by his mother; step-father, Norman Bernard; and brother, Gerald. He married Helen E. Sharp in Peoria in 1964. She survives.
Chuck is also survived by his sons, Michael (Sarah) of Peoria and Jeffery of Bethlehem, GA; sister, Joyce (John) Feger of East Peoria; brothers, John of Detroit, MI, James (Margaret) of Pekin, Michael of New Lennox and Patrick of Rice, MN; grandchildren, Patrick, Sean and Megan Cooney; step grandson, Jake Bryant; former daughter-in-law, Elaine Bryant of McLean; and several nieces and nephews.
He graduated from St. Cecilia Grade School and attended the Spalding Institute. He was a parishioner of St. Bernard Parish and attended Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle and the Spalding Center. He was involved in local Cursillo groups, Teens Encounter Christ, In His Footsteps Prison Ministries and several other charitable organizations.
Chuck retired in 1996, after thirty years of service, with Caterpillar’s East Peoria facility. He was deeply involved with the UAW and was a Shop Steward.
He was a lifelong Peoria resident, with the exception of a few years in Iowa and his time served in the U.S. Air Force, during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Chuck was a generous and caring man. He loved his family and helped whomever he could in any way. He was a wonderful brother, father, grandfather, husband and friend.
Services to celebrate Chuck’s life will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2010, at Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria, with Deacon John Skender officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Chuck’s memory to Cursillo, Teens Encounter Christ or In His Footsteps Prison Ministries.
Chuck’s Memorial Website and online condolences may be accessed at www.ClaryFunerals.com.
God’s finger touched him, and he slept. – Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
We will miss Chuck.
A great neighbor and friend.
The Panek's
Ron,Amy,Cameron,Cecelia & Cierra
| Ginny Nailing |
co-worker |
September 13, 2010 |
I am sorry for not looking over my note of tribute I misspelled chuck;I apologize
| Ginny Nailing |
co-worker |
September 13, 2010 |
Chuch indeed was agreat man to work with; He will be missed his family remains in my prayers:
| Ted Laidig |
co-worker |
September 13, 2010 |
Was sadden to hear of Chuck's passing last week. Although I hadn't spoken to him in at least 35+ years. He was my first shop steward when I hired in at Caterpillar and a very good and likable person. My condolences to his family and I'm sure he will be missed by many.
| David Garcia |
Friend |
September 13, 2010 |
Helen; I was out of town for the better part of the week - and learned of Chuck's death on my return.
I am so sorry to learn of his death, but had feared he was failing fast when last I saw him.
As you know, we were teammates in "IN HIS FOOTSTEPS" and "CURSILLO'S" so really were quite close. Just as I was with Jeff, your son, when he was active in TEC.
I wish you both God's peace and pleasant memories of Chuck, who was indeed, quite a little man.
May God bless you and keep you safe.
Your Friend,
David Garcia
| Jim Roecker |
Friend |
September 10, 2010 |
My sympathy to the family. Chuck was a good friend for many years with Easter Seals. Love to Helen & Jeff.
Jim Roecker
