Obituary - Eugene Lee Cooley Jr.

Eugene “Gene” Lee Cooley, Jr., 75, of Henrico, died December 16th, 2022.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene L. Cooley Sr., Constance Mrock Cooley; uncle, Bernard Mrock; and brother, Dennis P. Cooley. He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine C. Cooley; son, Bernard V. Cooley; brothers, Brian (Sandra), Paul (Rhonda); sisters, Mary C. McKann, Janet C. Anderson (David) and Annette C. Price (Terry).

Gene was a lifelong resident of Varina and a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He Attended St. Patrick Elementary School and graduated from St. Patrick High School June 11, 1965. Gene received his associate’s degree in 1967 from RPI (VCU) in Engineering Technology and Highway Design. He worked at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. He designed sea valves for nuclear submarines from 1967 – 1970, working on Los Angeles class submarines in 1978 – 1979. Avondale Shipyards New Orleans 1973-1974. Bath Iron Works 1976, Bay Ship building in Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin 1977 he did design work on 40,000 ton Lake Freighters. His last permanent job was with the AT&T circuit board plant on Laburnum Ave. from 1979 – 1999. He designed placement for chemical and waste lines for the manufacturing of circuit boards.

A lifelong auto crosser, Eugene and his son Bernard raced small cars, an open wheeled Tui and a modified 600 fiat. They belonged to Virginia Motor Sport Club and were a constant pair of racers at most all events.

The family will receive family and friends from 4 – 7pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Bliley’s Central Chapel on 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, Va 23230. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:30pm on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with interment to follow in Mt. Cavalry Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Church or St. Peter’s hot meal program for the homeless.