Robert J. Cooney Jr.
Verona/Madison-Robert J. “Rob” Cooney Jr., age 27, passed away at his home in Madison on Sunday, August 6, 2017.
He was born on February 23, 1990 in Madison, WI, the son of Robert and Janice (McMahon) Cooney Sr. Rob went to the Waisman Early Childhood Center in Madison. He attended and graduated school in his hometown of Verona, WI. He graduated from Verona Area High School’s program for people with disabilities.
Rob lived an independent life, residing at his own home on Old Sauk Road in Madison. He was very proud of his home, and described it as his “happy place.” Community Living Connections provided support for Rob to live in his home with his roommate.
Rob was fortunate to have meaningful work. He was supported in these efforts by the staff at Wisconsin Opportunity in Rural Communities. Rob was very social and active in the community, and loved to volunteer. Staff from Creative Community Access accompanied him on these ventures.
Rob had cerebral palsy due to his premature birth. Despite his physical challenges, Rob met life with positivity and enthusiasm on a daily basis. His smile and laugh were contagious and he shared them with everyone he met. Rob partnered with Dr. Ann Behrman and Dr. James Bigham for his medical care. Many specialists at UWHC participated in his care over the years, and we are forever grateful for their service. A special thanks to Heidi Rossiter and the Family Support and Resource Center.
Rob had a large extended circle of people over the years who were part of his life. It is impossible to list each individual, but we thank them for making Rob’s life complete. Our lives will always be intertwined with them.
Rob is survived by his parents, Robert and Janice Cooney; grandparents, John and Lorna McMahon; sister, Katie Cooney; uncles, Thomas Cooney, Philip (Tracye Ebeling) Cooney, John (Cheri) McMahon and James (Lisa) McMahon; aunts, Jane (John) Pfeil and Julie (Jack) Wilz; and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr. Robert and Judith Cooney.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3pm on Friday, August 11, 2017 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 220 Enterprise Dr, Verona, with Chaplain Tom Drury presiding. Visitation will be from 1pm until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Living Connections of Madison in Rob’s name.
“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.” -Lao Tzu
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit:www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
