John "Yogi" Cooley

John Ristau Cooley passed away on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at the age of 69. Affectionately known as “Yogi” by the many that knew him. Loving father of Christopher (Jen), Tiffany (Lawrence), Scott (Jill), Kevin, Leslie (Frank), Barry (Michelle) and Martin (Cheryl). Husband of the late Rosemary Cooley. Son of the late Constantine Cooley and Anita Cooley. He is survived by his children, brothers Peter Ristau of Chicago and Jurgen Ristau of Algiers and 18 grandchildren. John was a retired business owner and previously worked in store management for Woolco, Inc. Yogi gave many years to the youth of the New Orleans area instructing them in baseball. Yogi was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan who played baseball at Warren Easton High School, Southeastern Louisiana University and semi-professionally in Italy and New Orleans. He enjoyed many years of playing softball as a successful pitcher throughout the New Orleans area, particularly St. Patrick Park. He enjoyed many rounds of golf with his brother, Jurgen, in recent years. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial gathering at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd., near Clearview Pkwy., in Metairie, LA on Saturday, July 7, 2012 beginning at 12:00 noon with a memorial service to follow at 1:00 PM in Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home’s chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the charity of your choice. The online guestbook and memorial is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.