Francis M. "Frank" Cooney

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Francis M. "Frank" Cooney, 97, of Panama City Beach, Fla., died June 3, 2019. He was born in Providence to Charles W. and Ellen Victoria (O'Connell) Cooney. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings, Catherine (Linhares), Maurice, Joseph, Charles, Donald and Robert. Frank was a World War II veteran, having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during wartime. He then returned to Rhode Island and resumed working for Read and Lundy Supply for 55 years. Upon his retirement, Frank and Jean moved to Panama City Beach. As the middle child of seven, he was a faithful, kind and loving husband and adoring father. He truly was a selfless and unassuming man, always putting his family first. Frank was admired and respected by all he met and truly defined the Greatest Generation.

Survivors include his loving wife of 73 years, Regina (Capron) Cooney; his beloved children, Dr. Gale Cooney-Akin and husband Dr. Rush Akin of Panama City and Brian Cooney and wife Lisa of North Stonington, Conn. Frank was a grandfather of three as well as a great- and great-great-grandfather. We honor Frank's request of no services "no fuss" and he will be memorialized by cremation.

There will be a family gathering in Rhode Island at a later time. Kent-Forest Lawn, 2403 Harrison Avenue, 763-4694 www.kentforestlawn.com.