Daniel Ignatius Cooney

January 31, 1940 – September 16, 2025

Daniel “Dan” Ignatius Cooney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born in San Francisco, California on January 31, 1940, Dan was the son of Emmet Andrew Cooney and Ida Jean Cooney. Growing up in San Francisco, he was introduced to the outdoors and fishing of Northern California by his parents, sparking a lifelong love of nature. As a young boy, he often joined his father on the beaches of the Sunset District to surf fish for striped bass—providing meals for the family and kindling a passion that would last his lifetime.

Dan attended St. Ignatius High School and went on to study architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. While at Berkeley, he became interested in the U.S. Air Force Aviation Cadet Training Program, which offered the chance to become a pilot. Unfortunately, hearing loss from childhood fireworks in San Francisco’s Chinatown prevented him from flying, but he continued to serve proudly in the Air Force for four years, working on the installation of communication and radar sites worldwide. He left the service as a Technical Sergeant. It was during his final assignment at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina, that Dan met Sylvia “Pat” Corbett at a USO dance. Winning her over took determination, but it marked the beginning of a 44-year marriage filled with love, fun, and deep respect.

After his honorable discharge, Dan worked briefly with Burroughs Corporation before joining International Business Machines (IBM) in 1964. With IBM, Dan and Pat made their home first in Durham, NC, where their daughter Joan was born, and later in Greensboro, NC, where their son Mark arrived. His career with IBM took the family to Richmond, VA; Brookfield, CT; and Raleigh, NC as he advanced from field engineering technician to senior management. He was especially proud of his skills as a mainframe troubleshooter and his role leading a team that helped establish IBM’s first satellite network.

Outside of work, Dan’s heart always returned to the water. He was happiest with a rod in his hands, a clean cast, with sand at his feet and family or friends by his side. A longtime member of the Raleigh Saltwater Fishing Club and Trout Unlimited, he delighted in sharing his love of fishing with others, especially his daughter-in-law Laureen and his grandchildren, Andrew and Samantha. His favorite moments came in quiet awe at dawn, watching the sunrise over a crashing surf, often reflecting: “How can all this be without the existence of God?”

Dan was preceded in death by his wife, Pat, and his parents, Emmet and Jean Cooney. He is survived by his daughter Joan, his son Mark and daughter-in-law Laureen, and his cherished grandchildren Andrew and Samantha.

Fair winds and following seas, Dad, our good friend.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission – Wildlife Endowment Fund :

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