The Honorable Raymond P. Cooney, The Honorable Raymond P. Cooney, of Central Falls, passed away on February 1, 2023. He was 71.
He was predeceased by his son, Aaron, parents, Mary and Stephen E. Cooney, brothers Daniel (Teri) and Dennis (Carol) Cooney, and former wife Margaret (Leamy) Cooney.

Ray lived a full life, most of it within one square mile. Ray was a proud, lifelong resident of the City of Central Falls. Ray loved Central Falls, serving as Municipal Court Judge for many years and City Solicitor on two separate occasions. He also served as an officer on many social service boards in the Blackstone Valley area, including the former Central Falls Community Center, Wilfrid Manor, and Blackstone Academy Charter School. His family, particularly his parents, instilled in him a sense of service to his community, whatever community that was. He was willing to be generous with what he could offer.

Ray was a graduate of Holy Trinity School, Central Falls High School, Rhode Island College, and the University of Tulsa College of Law, with stops along the way at Suffolk University and, in his youth, the Rhode Island Conservatory of Music. While his teachers did not always agree, he loved to learn. He loved other people learning, and he loved any role he could play in encouraging that curiosity, continuing until his end.

Ray was a practicing attorney for many years. In addition to his work for the city, his work encompassed a wide range of traditional general services, including stints at the State House and involvement with the RISDIC savings & loan litigation. He enjoyed his time working alongside others and he enjoyed “hanging his own shingle”. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the occupation most of all, particularly coffee at the Garrahy Complex (with, among others, Jerry Laliberte).

However, anyone who knew him knows he worked to live and did not live to work. He was thrilled with the chance to retire and believed that enough was as good as a feast. Although he had some health difficulties, he was keen to live life. He loved life. His golf days were behind him, but he continued to enjoy pontificating on the news of the day, discussing the local sports teams, spending time with loved ones, and if a delicious meal was involved, all the better.

Being with family was a critical element of his life. Family gatherings, song and food, made him alive. And live he did. Though the time together was too short for Aaron and he, his love of his sons Aaron and Jonathan was unquestioned. They are part of his legacy. His most recent life chapter of being a grandfather was another joy that he loved exploring.

Almost as important to him, Ray loved music. Ray was a talented and accomplished pianist. His openness to, and love of, all music--classical, showtunes, his mother's big band era songs, the Beatles, and everything in between--was inspiring and beautiful. From the decades to playing for his mother to more recently playing at assisted needs facilities, he loved to play. His gift of music showed his soul in a way that all who knew and loved him understand.

Ray is survived by his son, Jonathan Cooney, partner Madisson Melendez and granddaughter Rayvyn. He is also survived by daughter Allana Cooney, grandchildren Jacob and Morgan Walsh, godson Stephen (Becky) P. Cooney, Esq., sisters Barbara (Wilfred) Lariviere, Carol (Frank) Folan, and Marilyn Cooney, former stepdaughter Dana Sorrentino, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His relentless optimism was a light that shined on this world and he will be missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Holy Spirit Church, 1030 Dexter Street, Central Falls, beginning at 9:30. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, February 10, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Lincoln Funeral Home, 1501 Lonsdale Avenue, Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his or Aaron’s name to the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation at cdlsusa.org.

 

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