COONEY, JR., JOHN J.

John J. Cooney Jr, of Portland, CT and Plant City, FL, husband of the late Marilyn Behm Cooney passed away peacefully on June 21, 2018. Born in Middletown, CT, the son of the late John and Florence (Cardillo) Cooney, he was a graduate of Portland High School. He attended Providence College and later graduated from Middlesex Community College. He served in the United States Marine Corp Reserve receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Corporal. He worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Facilities and Services for 37 years before retiring in 1992. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists Lodge #1746, serving as a former officer and negotiator. He also served as past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #1 in Portland, and was named Irishman of the Year in 1991.He was a member of American Legion Post #69, and a member of Middletown Elks Lodge #771. John was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Portland, CT, and St. Clement’s Church in Plant City, FL.

John loved watching sports in his later years. As a young father he took pride in teaching his children basketball and baseball.

John is survived by his four sons, Timothy Cooney and his wife Eva of Durham, Michael Cooney and his wife Melissa of Naugatuck, Brian Cooney and his wife Jodi of Middletown, and Patrick Cooney of Portland, and a daughter, Melissa (Cooney) Wagner and her husband Dan of Middletown, as well as eight grandchildren, Timothy Cooney Jr., Zachary Cooney, Taylor Cooney, Brian Cooney JR. and his wife Katelyn, Jordan Cooney, Joseph Cooney, Lauren Cooney and Maci Cooney, and three great grandchildren, Aiden, Connor and Max. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins. John leaves behind his faithful and loving companion of 21 years, Helen Sweenie of Plant City, FL. John was predeceased by his sister, Marilyn (Cooney) Lovejoy

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, July 7th at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Portland. Burial will be in the family plot with military honors in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Portland. Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland on Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.