Daniel Cooney's Obituary
Daniel Cooney, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, died in Cinnaminson, NJ of Parkinson’s disease on June 24, 2016. He was 71 years old. Dan was a psychiatric nurse (RN) at Jefferson Hospital. Dan acted on what he believed in. He was active in the peace movement during the Vietnam War, supported the Socialist Workers Party and the nurses’ union. He graduated from Temple University and Jefferson School of Nursing.
Dan is survived by six siblings (Helen, Ann, Charlotte, Chuck, Tom and Kathleen) and he is a prominent figure in many family stories about growing up in post-WW2 Philly, thus keeping him alive in our memories. He will be remembered for his dry wit and compassion. He was a bright student and an avid reader. He studied history and loved to travel. Keenly aware of his limited travel skills he said: “I always rely on the kindness of strangers”.
He touched the lives of many with his work in nursing and addiction and some have credited him with saving their lives.
He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Helen (Herrmann).
Contributions in his honor may be made to:
The Socialist Workers Party: SWP 2824 Cottman Ave. - Suite 20 Philadelphia, PA 19149 , or The Parkinson’s disease Foundation http://www.pdf.org/fund_memdon or http://www.nami.org/About-NAMI
Mass enrollment cards are appreciated
Correspondence:
Charlotte Teel
108 Woodview Lane
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
Plans are shaping up for a commemoration of Dan’s life and it looks like it will be great fun.
Date: Saturday
10/01/16
Place:
McKinley Fire Company Hall
893 Jenkintown Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027
Time:
11am to 12ish - live music and testimonials
12:30 to 3pm - fundraising luncheon for the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Music will be provided by Dan’s nephew, Brendan Cooney, and will feature the kinds of music Dan particularly liked (labor, civil rights, peace movement).
Please join us and forward this email to everyone you know who might be interested in attending.
Please RSVP directly to me at this email address [email protected] if you wish to attend. This will help us get a count for meal planning. I know your plans may change, but we would rather estimate too high than too low. So please get back to me within a week if possible. What the heck, why not do it now?
Please let me know if you:
• Plan to attend
• Wish to speak
• Will stay for the meal
We plan to have the meal catered and request a modest donation (to be determined).
BYOB (we plan to bring some wine and beer to share and encourage you to do the same).
Hope to see you there!
Tom Cooney
What’s your fondest memory of Daniel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Daniel?
Share a story where Daniel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Daniel you’ll never forget.
How did Daniel make you smile?