John T. Cooney, age 84, of Detroit, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. John was born in Peoria, IL, on January 4, 1941, the son of the late John and Betty (Maharry) Cooney.

John was the oldest of seven siblings and took that role to heart with strength and care. In 1963, at the age of 22, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served his country. After his military service, John returned to the midwest and soon met the love of his life, Ann, on a blind date. The two quickly formed a deep bond and were married in 1967, with John wearing a memorable white tuxedo that matched his big smile that day.

As their life together unfolded, they welcomed two children, Mary Kay and Mark. Around that time, John owned a two-seater sports car he prized, which accompanied him on long road trips. But when their second child was on the way, that car became part of one of his most-told stories. As he liked to remember it, Ann turned to him on the way to the hospital and said, "I better not be driving home with a baby in this car." And she didn't. He swapped it out for a more practical family car, a gesture that felt perfectly like John: always putting his family first. John never stopped showing up for his family, with love, support, and an unwavering sense of commitment.

Growing up, John was a devoted fan of Stan Musial. Even after moving to Detroit, where he'd passionately root for the Tigers, his real allegiance was always to "Stan the Man." He even had an entire room in his home dedicated to Musial, filled with memorabilia.

John had a knack for finding treasures, whether it was at card shows or estate sales, he was in his element. He loved the art of the deal; he bartered like a king and prided himself on never paying full price for anything. He also had a famously sweet tooth. M&Ms and cookies were his go-to favorites, and he found just as much joy sneaking them into his own diet as he did sharing them with his grandkids when they visited, a gesture they quickly learned was one of his love languages.

John was a people person through and through. No matter where he went, he struck up conversations; at the grocery store, the post office, and from his front porch. He had a gift for making others feel seen and heard, and as a result, he left behind a trail of lasting friendships and quiet acts of kindness. He was always ready to lend a hand.

Christmas was his absolute favorite time of year, and he went all out when it came to decorating. Lights, ornaments, and so many nutcrackers. His festive spirit was contagious.

He had a deep love for his grandchildren, Adrian, Jason and Isabella. He cherished every moment spent with them and saved everything: newspaper clippings, yearbook photos, memorabilia from games or recitals. His pride was deeply felt, and his love for them was constant.

And of all the things John loved in life, nothing compared to the time he spent with Ann. They shared 37 years of marriage until her passing, and those decades were filled with love, laughter, devotion, and deep companionship. Their bond was one he held onto always. John will be missed more than words can express, by his children and grandchildren, by his siblings, and by the many friends, neighbors, and community members whose lives he touched with his warmth, humor, and unwavering kindness.

John is preceded in death by his mother, Betty and step-father Norman Bernard.  He is also preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Ann.

John is the loving father of Mary Kay Clapp and Mark Cooney (Sara); beloved grandfather of Jason Clapp, Adrian Cooney and Isabella Cooney; dearest brother of Michael Cooney, Joyce Feger and the following deceased, Patrick, James, Jerry and Charles.

It was John's wishes to be cremated, and he will be laid to rest at a later date with his wife at Great Lakes National Cemetery.

Please keep the Cooney family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.