Harold John "Jack" Cooley

1934 – 2026

Some men simply pass through this world, and then there are men who light it up, men whose strength, brilliance, and boundless love leave everyone around them forever changed. Harold John "Jack" Cooley was that kind of man. He was a hero to his daughters, a giant to all who knew him, and a soul full of life and love. Jack passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, at the remarkable age of 91. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, his was an extraordinary life— one woven together with talent, service, brilliance, and devotion to family.

From his earliest days, it was clear that Jack Cooley was something special. Selected to attend Brooklyn Technical High School — reserved for only New York City's most gifted students — he was already making his mark. It was there that he did something few could ever dream of: stepping onto a mound and pitching to the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers during batting practice. His pitching arm earned him a baseball scholarship to New York University, where he studied electrical engineering, participated in ROTC, and pitched in the 1956 College World Series.

After college, Jack's baseball dreams carried him to the professional ranks, where he played in the minor leagues for the Phillies organization. He was later signed to the major leagues but when his country called, Jack Cooley answered without hesitation, setting aside baseball to serve as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. It was during this chapter of his life that he met Kathryn, the woman who would become his wife. Together, they built a home in New City, New York, where they raised three daughters. Jack never left that home. He lived there independently until the end — a testament to the spirit and determination that defined him.

In a career that was nothing short of remarkable, he rose to become a distinguished nuclear engineer whose work made the world a safer place. Together with his partner Elmo DiAnni, he designed and patented the VDR-2 radiation detection instrument — a groundbreaking device capable of detecting the most minute levels of radiation, deployed in submarines, ships, and tanks, to protect the lives of troops and passengers alike.

Yet for all his achievements, the people who loved Jack the most will tell you that his greatest role was the one he played at home. He was a father who was, quite simply, a hero to his daughters — a steady, loving, larger-than-life presence who made them feel that anything was possible. He was the kind of dad whose approval meant everything, whose pride swelled visibly, and whose love never wavered.

He loved baseball, big band music, and family vacations on Long Beach Island. He was loved and respected by everyone who crossed his path.

Jack is survived by the people he loved most in this world:

• His daughters: Donna Graham and husband Lyle, Lisa Coogan and husband Peter, and Jennifer Williams and partner Ed Kennedy;

• His grandchildren: Taylor, Corey, Ian, Jacqueline, and Canaan

• His sister: Caryl Blain (Cooley)

• His beloved companion: Linda Baron

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 47 years, Kathryn Ann Cooley (Torjussen), and his parents, Harold and Marion (Knief) Cooley.

Funeral arrangements will take place at the Michael Higgins Funeral Home, 321 South Main St., New City NY on Wednesday, June 10th followed by his internment at the Union Cemetery in Ramsey, NJ.