John Cooney, Jr.

John Joseph Cooney, Jr., 80, of Atlantic Beach, FL passed away at his residence on November 14, 2017. He was born on February 17, 1937 in Camden, NJ. John faced many adversities in his life, but he never let them stop him. He proudly served his country as a Master Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy.

John was a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews and served in several ministries at St. Paul’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church. He traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, enjoying parks and historical sites. John loved to swim and snorkel in the fresh water springs around Florida. He was an accomplished square dancer and talented at sewing the clothes that he and his wife Marilyn wore to the dances. John delighted at playing magic tricks for young children and easily brought smiles to faces both young and old.

John is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Marilyn Lockwood Cooney; daughters, Colleen Cooney, Cathi Cooney and Sharon Schultz (William); son, Michael Cooney; sisters, Patricia Moody and Kathleen Taulane (William); son-in-law, Eric Regan (Rhonda); and numerous beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his stepdaughter, Pamela Lockwood Regan and niece, Kimberly Ryan.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2017 at St. Paul’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 465 11th Ave. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church or the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 641 S. Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, (877-363-6376), www.curemeso.org.