1955
Michael
2023
Michael Cooley
June 1, 1955 — November 14, 2023
Michael Cooley
(1955-2023)
Michael Cooley, a lifelong resident of Springfield, died at the age of 68 after being struck by a motorist while crossing the street in front of his apartment at the Classical Condominiums on State Street.
An indominable optimist with an irrepressible sense of humor and a love of his own jokes, Michael was an active member of Rotary and Sinai Temple, a Board Member of Pathlight, a past Grand Master of his Masonic Lodge, and an enthusiastic participant and volunteer at Grey House, the Salvation Army, the Golden Age Club, and Just Faith. He never missed a Sunday making sandwiches for Springfield’s homeless population or the chance to volunteer to help someone in need.
Springfield has never had a more loyal sports fan that Michael. In good times and bad, he was there as a jersey-wearing season ticket holder to cheer on the Falcons, the Thunderbirds, UMass basketball and football teams.
Although he had physical challenges and special needs his whole life, Michael was oblivious to his own limitations or those of others. Age, race, religion, and “disability” were distinctions without differences to him except when they called forth a chance to help.
Michael liked nothing more than being on stage. He took ballroom dancing lessons for more than 35 years and performed in countless showcases. He loved to write and perform clever poems and songs, and to serve as MC for occasions large or small.
Michael was a graduate of the Riverview School on Cape Cod and a communications training academy in Boston. He began his career working behind the scenes at several local radio stations before joining the staff of the Registry of Probate where he worked for almost two decades before retiring.
Michael leaves behind a loving wife, Leila Dahabi, a brother and sister (Larry and Debbie), nieces, a nephew, wonderful in-laws, an extraordinary extended family and countless friends.
Funeral services will be held at Sinai Temple, 1100 Dickenson Street, at 11am on Friday, November 17th, with burial at Sinai Memorial Park.
(1955-2023)
Michael Cooley, a lifelong resident of Springfield, died at the age of 68 after being struck by a motorist while crossing the street in front of his apartment at the Classical Condominiums on State Street.
An indominable optimist with an irrepressible sense of humor and a love of his own jokes, Michael was an active member of Rotary and Sinai Temple, a Board Member of Pathlight, a past Grand Master of his Masonic Lodge, and an enthusiastic participant and volunteer at Grey House, the Salvation Army, the Golden Age Club, and Just Faith. He never missed a Sunday making sandwiches for Springfield’s homeless population or the chance to volunteer to help someone in need.
Springfield has never had a more loyal sports fan that Michael. In good times and bad, he was there as a jersey-wearing season ticket holder to cheer on the Falcons, the Thunderbirds, UMass basketball and football teams.
Although he had physical challenges and special needs his whole life, Michael was oblivious to his own limitations or those of others. Age, race, religion, and “disability” were distinctions without differences to him except when they called forth a chance to help.
Michael liked nothing more than being on stage. He took ballroom dancing lessons for more than 35 years and performed in countless showcases. He loved to write and perform clever poems and songs, and to serve as MC for occasions large or small.
Michael was a graduate of the Riverview School on Cape Cod and a communications training academy in Boston. He began his career working behind the scenes at several local radio stations before joining the staff of the Registry of Probate where he worked for almost two decades before retiring.
Michael leaves behind a loving wife, Leila Dahabi, a brother and sister (Larry and Debbie), nieces, a nephew, wonderful in-laws, an extraordinary extended family and countless friends.
Funeral services will be held at Sinai Temple, 1100 Dickenson Street, at 11am on Friday, November 17th, with burial at Sinai Memorial Park.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael Cooley, please visit our flower store.
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