Robert James Cooney, 69, of La Plata died May 7, 2008, at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by Janet, wife of 46 years, sons William, Phillip, and John; family members Esther and Robert Glogowski, Elizabeth Pater, Charkes "Ike" and Veronica Cooney, much loved granddaughter Taylor, and many nieces, nephews and cousins he held to dear to his heart.

Bob grew up in Troy, New York the youngest of six and moved to Washington D.C. after high school to work for the FBI. He later became an owner of Furniture Displays Inc., a leading commercial furniture supplier in the Washington D.C. area. Bob loved history and let the family on many trips to Civil War and historical sites.

Bob's pursuit of knowledge led him to the College of Southern Maryland where he received a degree in Information Services Technology, one of his proudest moments. Bob was an avid runner, chess player, and sports fanatic. He had a competive spirit and continually challenged those around him. An artistic man, Bob pursued perfection in his many and varied projects from building furniture to making the perfect dumpling.

Bob loved the summers in Vermont with family and friends. He loved watching the sun rise, running up agony hill, clearing brush, hiking and forgetting the worries of the world. For all of us, these will be forever our fondest memories. We will miss you dearly.

The family will receive frineds at , P.A. in La Plata, Maryland on Tuesday, May 13, from 6pm to 8pm. A service will be held on Wednesday, May 14 at 11:30 am at the St. Joseph's Church in Pomfret, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Charles County 105 La Grange Avenue P.O. Box 1703 La Plata, MD 20646 or St. Joseph's Church 4590 St. Joseph Way Pomfret, MD 20675.

Arrangements provided by AREHART-ECHOLS FUNERAL HOME.