Neal Barry Cooley, age 69, of Roscommon, died on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Neal was born July 9, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Gerald and May (Roberts) Cooley.
Neal has been in the restaurant business since he was 14 years old, where he started out in a Clock restaurant as a short order cook, all the way to being a part owner of Fred’s of Roscommon. Neal was very creative with food. He knew every aspect of the restaurant business, like catering parties, dinner for diplomats, weddings, anniversaries, as well as Celebrations of Life.
One of Neal’s passions was golf. He enjoyed playing cards with his family. Neal loved betting on football with Marilyn. His other love was his dogs. It was Neal’s way to relax and enjoy being up north. Neal had great strength in his ability to strive for life from his long battle of cancer. He loved life and never wanted to give up. The family would like Neal to be remembered for his devotion to his family and Fred’s and the community.
Neal will be greatly missed by family and friends and the community. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda Brook Rajnauth; grandchildren: Tristen and Adam; sisters: Carol (Bruce) Hayes, Marilyn Cooley, Terri Jo (Paul) Rochon; nieces and nephews: Kristen (Jacob) Boura, Jonathon Kortright, Katelyn Kortright, Jack Kortright, Keelie Johnstone, Riley Carter; as well as many other cousins and friends; his Fred’s Family; and not to forget Neal’s four legged buddies, Scottie and Patrick.
Neal is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeanette; son-in-law, Teddy Rajnauth; brothers: Ken Cooley, Gary Cooley, and Scott Cooley.
Family and friends will gather from 1:00 PM until the time of the Memorial Service at 5:00 PM, on Neal’s birthday, Sunday, July 9, 2023, at Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, 143 Lake Street, Roscommon, Michigan 48653.
For our guests who are unable to attend the service for any reason, are encouraged to join us through the livestreaming at: https://www.facebook.com/wagnerandwalshfuneraldirectors
(Occasionally issues may occur considering location and availability of reception. When this occurs, the funeral home staff is prepared to record the service and then post it to the Facebook page. We appreciate your understanding).
The family prefers memorial contributions be made in Neal’s name to the Higgins Lake Swimmer’s Itch Association, and Higgins Lake Foundation, and Tunnel to Towers (T2T), and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and ASPCA (Animal Life).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon.
