Fred H. Cooley
September 9, 1928 - April 14, 2022 Vallejo, CA
Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Frederick Harold Cooley Jr., bravely left our presence and entered God’s presence.
Fred was born in San Rafael on September 9, 1928. He is survived by a sister, Anna DeMartile of Rodeo, and a son, Donald (Peggy) Cooley of Benicia; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Helen (Golovich) and parents Fred H. Cooley Sr, and Dora M. (Dieckman) of Stonyford.
Fred attended Selby (Tormey) elementary school and John Swett HS in Crockett. The family moved to Tormey in the mid-1930s and then built a home in Rodeo. In 1945, Fred apprenticed in the sheet metal shop at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. In ‘47 he started work at C&H Sugar Refinery in Crockett. It was there that he met and fell in love with Helen Golovich. Fred and Helen were married July 10, 1948 and made their home in Vallejo. Fred enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 and served in the Korean War. He acquired the nickname “Spade” from his buddies after popular “western swing” bandleader Spade Cooley. Fred was sent overseas in ’52 and was stationed at the newly constructed Osan AFB (K-55). When he arrived, the last propeller fighters (P51 Mustang) were being retired from service, and the first fighters of the jet age (F-86 Super Sabre) arrived. He was part of the 18th fighter-bomber wing and was flight crew gen-power specialist with a rank of sergeant. When Fred returned from Korea, they were stationed at George AFB in Victorville, CA where he again worked on the flight crew of the very first jet aces and now test pilots Joe McConnell and Mac Fernandez. Their time spent living in the Mojave desert and trips to Apple Valley became a treasured memory. In 1954 he was honorably discharged and they returned to Vallejo. When their son Donald was born in 1960, their joy was complete. Nothing made Fred happier than to raise his son and care for his wife and spend his free time in the yard and garden as he possessed the gift of a green thumb. In 1962 he left C&H and started a career with Canteen corporation and retired in 1992.
Fred loved fishing, hunting, country western music and had many talents including carpentry and of course, gardening. He also loved to spend time with in-laws, Jack, Lou, Mitch, Bobby, Richard, Mary, Annie and their families. He and Helen would often go dancing at the Moose Lodge for many years with Lou and wife, Melba. Fred’s love was his family. Fred loved his many nieces and nephews and would often speak of Richie, Darlene, Ron, Roseanne, Stanley, Melvin, Nick, Linda, Merilee, Lori, Mike, Randy, Robby, Susie, Nancy, Christine, Kathy, Pamela, Rich and Jerry. He loved each and every one of them very much as evidenced by the photos and movies he took of their sporting events, and times spent at the family cabin in the mountains.
Son, Donald married Peggy Skinner in 1979, and Fred loved being with his grandchildren, Kristen, Amanda, and Steven from the moment they were born until his passing. Fred also enjoyed time with his great-grandchildren, Kameron, Julian, Nikolas and Kingston; and of course his beloved dog and constant companion, Scooter.
Funeral services to be held at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Jackson, CA on Thursday, May 5 starting at 1 p.m. with a reception following in the church hall.
Memorial Donations if so desired may be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Jackson, CA.