Raymond W. Cooley

Ray was born on the family farm in Norwich on April 11, 1932 the son of Floyd and Helen (Pearsall) Cooley. He was raised on the farm and was a 1950 graduate of the Norwich High School. While in school he was Captain of his schools wrestling team and was proud of the fact they reached the state championship. Following his graduation he then attended SUNY Cobleskill graduating with an Associates Degree. At this point Ray entered the United States Army serving his country until his honorable discharge. He returned home to Norwich and on August 19, 1956 in Norwich he married Marylie Aloi.

Ray’s working career began with Norwich – Eaton Labs where he was employed for 12 years. Realizing this wasn’t quite what he wanted to do, Ray and his wife started Ray Cooley Reality which they operated together for over 40 years. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church of Norwich where he remained very active over the years. Ray was also a former member of the Holmesville Baptist Church where he was a big supporter of the church’s BaYouCa Camp program.

Ray was without question a family man. He and his family were familiar faces at Chenango Lake where they enjoyed many great family get togethers. They had their first camp on the lake in 1972 and in 1978 made the lake their permanent home. Laid back and easy going Ray enjoyed watching The Price Is Right, Jeopardy, was an avid fan of the NY Yankees & SU football and basketball and loved to make deals, trades and barter. If they were going out to eat it would often be Ossie’s Diner which is now Bill’s. He and his wife would also spend the winter months in Florida.

Ray is survived by his wife Marylie of Norwich, his children Douglas Cooley and wife Maureen of Sherburne, Jeffrey Cooley and wife Lisa of Granit Falls, NC, Cynthia Mathewson and husband Brian of Oneonta and Melissa Borden of Norwich, his grandchildren Amanda, Gregory and Paul Cooley, Amanda and Hannah Miles, Jessica Doolittle and husband Shawn, Jason Cooley and wife Lindsey, Olivia Horn and husband Kyle, Amy Rathmell and husband Pastor Joshua, Bradley Oliver and Anthony Borden along with 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his brother-in-law John Aloi and wife Marcia.

Ray was predeceased by his sister Florence Pike and his brothers Richard, Robert, Gerald and Norman.

A funeral service for Ray will be held on Monday, July 25, at 10:00 am from the Calvary Baptist Church of Norwich. The Rev. Brian Conover, Pastor and Pastor Joshua Rathmell will officiate. Interment will in the Maplewood Cemetery of Mt. Upton at the convenience of the family.

Friends may call at the Calvary Baptist Church on Sunday from 4-6 pm.

Please consider memorial contributions to Valley Heights Christian Academy, 75 Calvary Drive, Norwich, NY 13815 or to the Community Baptist Church Missions Fund, 777 SE Salerno Road, Stuart, FL 34997.

Arrangements under the direction of R. J. Fahy Funeral Home, Norwich, New York.