Mark A. Cooley

MARK ALAN COOLEY, 50, of 117 Dryden Harford Road, Dryden, died Saturday morning, December 6th, 2008 at the Hospicare Residence in Ithaca, NY after a brave battle with cancer. His courage and optimism throughout have been an inspiration to all who knew him. He was born on December 28, 1957 in Glassport, Pa. He was predeceased by his parents, Amos Rathbone Cooley and Betty Gallagher Cooley of Dickerson Run, Pa; and his brother-in-law Lynn Busch of McKeesport, Pa. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Mary, and their son Ryan Alan. Also surviving are his step- children John McCoy (Laurie) of Raleigh, NC and their children, Braylon, Hunter and Zachary; Adam McCoy (Michelle) of Raleigh, NC and their children, Dylan and Sierra; and Catherine Nyce (Ray) of Philadelphia, Pa. and their children Julie and Alex. Also, sisters Marsha Pickens (Dean) of Newfield and Janet Busch of McKeesport, Pa. as well as a large extended family.

Mark was an active member of the Dryden community, coaching Kiwanis baseball for many years, playing softball and other activities associated with his membership in Kiwanis. He worked in various jobs over the years, most recently at Kellogg Auto Parts in Dryden. He was a veteran of the

US Navy. His charm, ready smile and enthusiasm for life will be sorely missed by his family and friends. The family wishes to thank Hospicare for their gentle care in the end as well as all his caregivers over the last three and a half years.

Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 PM Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden followed by a celebration of Mark’s life at 4 PM. Burial will be in Interlaken at a later date. Gifts, in his memory and in lieu of flowers, may be sent to the Mark Cooley Fund c/o Sue Lason at the Tompkins County Trust Company, POB 460, Ithaca, NY 14850.