WESTFIELD: Everett Russell Cooley, 65 of Westfield, loving husband and father, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on April 16, 2022. Everett was raised in the hill town of Russell MA and attended Gateway Regional Schools. Everett retired in 2017 after a successful 41-year career as a Rail transportation worker. He started his career with Penn Central Rail Corp and continued with Conrail (Consolidated Rail Corp) and concluding with CSX Corporation. He held multiple positions throughout his work experience including repair maintenance and track inspector, site and crew foreman, switch inspector, train signal man and numerous other positions. He was a respected co-worker and friend. Everett was an outdoorsman spending time fishing on Lake Ontario, as well as deep sea charter fishing with his son Adam and friends. He enjoyed the beach and camping in New Hampshire with family. Everett was skilled in refurbishing auction and yard sale finds. Restoring furniture, equipment, metal and iron ware back to their original patina for resale. He had a passion for landscaping with his tractor, modifying rough terrain parcels of land, transforming the grounds to park like environments, including constructing a pond and natural retaining walls and trails.
Everett is predeceased by his parents Russell and Bernice Cooley and his beloved daughter Erin Cooley in 2019. He embraced his responsibility of raising his two young grandchildren Neal and Savanna Cooley.
He leaves his wife Kelly Ann Cooley of Westfield. His son Adam Cooley and his wife Kelly Cooley their children Beau and Stella Cooley of Westfield. His grandchildren Neal and Savanna Cooley of Westfield. His sister Rosayln Burt Wauczinski (Charlie) of Northampton. Lois Walker of Westfield, Irene Keller (David) of Virginia. Carole Thorton of Monson, June Richards (Harley) of Warren, Sylvia Monteiro (Roy) of Russell and many nieces, nephews and friends.
We wish to thank the Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson/MA General of Northampton. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jodka and associate Chris Martin of the Palliative Care Unit, Hospice VNA of Northampton, his nurse Regina. The caring and compassionate staff at Linda Manor in Leeds as well as the support of family, friends and the staff at Munger Hill and Intermediate School. Donations can be made to Benefit for Neil and Savanna Cooley, C/O Polish National Credit Union Children’s Fund, 1 Parkside Ave., Westfield, MA 01085.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 22, 2022, at 10 A.M. in Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. Burial will follow in Russell Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 21, 2022, from 4-7 P.M. www.firtionadams.com
