Obituary of Bruce Whitney Cooley

Bruce Whitney Cooley, 93, of Wilbraham MA passed away peacefully at home on January 14th, 2024.

Bruce was born on March 7th, 1930, in Springfield, MA. He was the son of the late Clarence B. and Ida E. (Johnson) Cooley.

Bruce was raised in East Longmeadow, MA and graduated from Springfield Technical High School in 1944. He joined the military and served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and his MBA from American International College.

Bruce started his own job placement business, Springfield Personnel Service. He went on to become the personnel Director for Conval, Inc. in Somers CT. He retired in 1993.

Bruce married the love of his life, Jean Marion Sleith on October 25, 1958. They were happily married for 55 years. Bruce and Jean raised three children in Wilbraham MA.

Bruce is survived by his son, Robert B. Cooley and his wife Susan of San Diego, CA, James B. Cooley and his wife, Christine of Wilbraham MA, and Sandra Swain and her husband Michael of Milford, MA. He is also survived by four grandchildren, April and Holly Swain and Stephen and Ryan Cooley. He leaves behind wonderful nieces as well. Bruce is predeceased by his sister Barbara Walker of Cataumet, MA.

Bruce loved traveling in his campers to Cape Cod, chopping wood, working in his yard, and he had a passion for bookkeeping. He loved spending time with his family and telling his ‘grandpa jokes’ to the grandkids.

A calling hour will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 10:00am - 11:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Wilbraham.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory the American Cancer Society.