Michael Cooley

NISKAYUNA-Michael J. Cooley, 67, of Niskayuna passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at his residence. Mr. Cooley was born in Flushing, NY the son of the late Lawrence J. and Mary C. Lowney Cooley. He has resided in Niskayuna for the past 23 years. Mr. Cooley earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and a Master of Divinity Degree in Theology from Niagara University and a Master of Arts Degree in Public Administration from Russell Sage College. He retired as the Executive Director of the Cohoes Senior Citizen Center. Mr. Cooley was an active member of many professional and civic associations, including the past president of the New York State Coalition for the Aging, the Capital District Association Providers of Aging Services, the Albany Agency Executives Association, and the Cohoes International Rotary Club. He was the recipient of the President's Medal in honor of his commitment to Excelsior College in 2011 and the 1997 Peer Recognition Award from the Agency Executive Association for his effectiveness in the Capital District nonprofit family of agencies. Mr. Cooley also received the 1996 Founders Award from the National Institute of Senior Centers and the 1984 Henrietta Rabe Award from the New York State Conference for the Aging for the many contributions to the field of aging services.
Mr. Cooley is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Mary Beth Hanner. He is also survived by his siblings Lawrence Cooley, Mary Ellen Conti, Cecilia Nehm and Ann Marie Cooley and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Cooley was predeceased by his brother Francis Cooley.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 AM on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish (formerly St. Helen's Church)1803 Union St. Schenectady.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Cooley's memory may be sent to support students in the school of Health Sciences, where he was an honored member of the faculty. A fund has been established through the Advancement Office, Excelsior College, 7 Colombia Circle, Albany, NY 12203.