Skip Cooley, 82, of West Springfield passed away peacefully at home on his birthday, Thursday, July 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Skip was born in Westfield to the late Maro A. and Eva M. (Marra) Cooley. He worked for Buxton Corporation in Agawam, and the paper mills in West Springfield under several different ownerships including Premoid, James River, DSI, and Rexham.

He was also a volunteer for the St. Patrick’s Committee for several years and spearheaded a Grand Prize Award for the float many years ago. Skip was always a carpenter at heart; Fixing and building things, remolding, and installing just about anything. He built dozens of bird houses and even a Condo Bird House to accommodate all the lovely birds that visited our property. He was also an avid fly fisherman and loved hunting. He taught his daughters how to fish and the art of tying flies. He especially loved scoping out the areas and planning the hunting trips with his buddies.

Skip shared 50 wonderful years with the love of his life, his wife Kathleen (Avery) Cooley of West Springfield. He leaves his loving daughters Shannon Cooley (Nicole & Sam), of Springfield and Deana Cooley of West Springfield. He also leaves his daughter Karen Topor (David), and son Kenneth Cooley of Tennessee; sisters Carol Booker (Jack) of SC, Charlotte Lavalette (Richard) of NC, brothers Philip Cooley of Otis, and Charles “Gary” Cooley of Greenfield; Four grandchildren, one great grandchild and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters June Greenwald and Frances Casolla and brother Arthur Cooley.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff and caregivers at CareOne at Redstone and Baystate Hospice for their compassion and support during Skip’s final year.

The service will be private and at the convenience of the family.