Raymond Cooley

Raymond E. Cooley, 85 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, MI went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 15, 2012. Born March 7, 1927 in Monroe, MI, Ray was the son of the late Lawrence and Katherine (Mayer) Cooley. Ray was a 1945 graduate of Monroe High School where he played football and ran track. After graduated Ray entered the US Army where he served honorably and proudly from June 25, 1945 until November 5, 1946. For his service to our country Ray received the American Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal and the Meritorious Unit Award. On October 25, 1951, Ray married his beloved wife, the former Mary Musulin, in Monroe. Ray was employed by Monroe Local 671, Plumbers and Pipefitters from December 6, 1951 until his retirement in 1989. Ray served on numerous committees for Local 671 and was the first administrator of its insurance and pension plan. Ray was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He was also a life member of Monroe First Downers and the WWII Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. Ray enjoyed spending time on his computer, where he made many music cd’s. He also enjoyed listening to music and watching football. Ray was also very handy and enjoyed building projects and fixing anything and everything indoors or out. Most of all Ray loved family. Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary, two loving children: Jeffrey E. Cooley of Toledo, OH and Amelia C. Cooley of Monroe, and three cherished grandchildren: Ashley, Max and Madeline Cooley. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by a son Lawrence Cooley on April 12, 1989, a brother Edward Cooley and a sister Elizabeth Braunlich. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe where a scripture service will be held, Sunday at 6:00 PM. He will lie in state on Monday, November 19, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Monroe from 9:00 AM until Mass of the Resurrection celebrating his life at 10:00 AM. Fr. Brian Chabala will officiate. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Church or School.