Mr. Henry M. Cooney, Sr.

Henry M. Cooney Sr of Madison, CT and FT Lauderdale FL died peacefully and Friday, December 11, 2015, one week short of his 99th birthday. He was born in Stamford, CT on December 19, 1916 and graduated from Hillhouse High School. He served his country in WW II in the Pacific Theater and was honorably discharged from the US Navy. Prior to the war, he settled in Madison, upon his return, he started his business career establishing deep roots in the Madison Community. He took the job of Dog Warden, in part to keep his own dog out of the pound and later served on the Board of Tax Review. He was the chairman of the Republican Town Committee for 25 years and was also a member of the Republican State Central Committee. Among his many business interests, he was the owner of the Milestone Steak House and until recently, the Madison Beach Hotel and Wharf Restaurant. He was a member of Madison Hose, Co.#1, the American Legion, Madison Rotary Club and Madison Masonic Lodge # 87. He also served as a governor of the Coral Ridge Yacht Club in Ft. Lauderdale. He never “officially retired,” he just took longer winters in Florida and longer afternoon naps by the pool. He is survived by Betty Cooney, his wife of 74 years. Also a son Henry M. Cooney, Jr. of Madison, Daughters, Diane Cooney and partner Paul Nann of Madison and Naples FL, Kathleen (Roben) Bagdasarian of Kentucky, Daughter-in-law Patricia Cooney of Maryland, Grandchildren; William Campbell and Brian Campbell of Madison, Beth (John) McDevitt of Madison, Allison (Chris) Dabbieri of Virginia, Kristen Bagdasarian and Stevie Bagdasarian of Kentucky. Great grandchildren; Catherine and William Dabbieri of Virginia. Predeceased by brothers, Thomas Cooney, John Cooney, Robert Cooney and a sister, Jessica DeFrank. Henry was one of the last of the greatest generation. He was the Best Dad on Earth. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 16 at 1 pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Burial with Military Honors will follow in West Cemetery, Route 1, Madison. Friends may call Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 4 – 6 pm at the Guilford Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Madison Hose Co.# 1 (Building Fund), 655 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443.