John Richard "Jack" Cooley

Jack was born on January 2, 1930 in Tuxedo, NY to Dorothy (Newell) and Russell Cooley, Jr. After graduating high school in Hawthorne, NY he enlisted in the United States Air Force, becoming one of the first jet engine mechanics of the era. Following his active duty he joined the NY Air National Guard, graduated the Academy of Aeronautical Engineering, and later served in the Maine Air National Guard.

His civilian career was in maintenance management, including Volkswagen of America and retiring from General Electric Co. He volunteered many years as an audio technician at First United Methodist Church of Homosassa. His passion of the last 50 years was building and flying RC aircraft; he spent many hours "at the field" in Florida with good friends at Hernando Aero Modelers.

Jack married his hometown sweetheart, Anna Lemke in 1953; they were blessed with 63 years together before her passing on March 20, 2017. He is survived by his daughters, Diane Mills and Sharon Cooley, both of Homosassa, and his son James (Debra) Cooley of Orlando.

A graveside service of military honors presented by the Marion County Honor Guard will be held on Friday, April 10, at 11:30 a.m. at Fountains Memorial Park in Homosassa. Arrangements by Macrini Wilder Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be considered to the Hernando Aero Modelers, PO Box 5198, Spring Hill, FL 34612-5198.