Edward Joseph Cooley, 86, passed away in Columbus, OH, on September 15, 2026, after a long respiratory illness. He was born in Duquesne, PA, in 1939 to Joseph Cooley and Marie Zewe Cooley. Ed had one brother, John.

He grew up in West Mifflin, PA, and graduated from Duquesne High School. Ed received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University and did his graduate work at SRU and Indiana University of PA. He was a member of the SRU gymnastics and swim teams and was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.

Ed taught in the Mars Area School District for 36 years, 28 of them at Middlesex Elementary School.

He was active in his profession, both as President of Mars Area Education Association and as a representative to PSEA PAC. He also served as President of the Mars Area Jaycees and as a committeeman and sponsor of Ducks Unlimited.

Ed was an Elder at the Old Union Presbyterian Church and served on several committees there.

He was an avid waterfowl hunter and outdoorsman. Ed was a long-time member of the West View Sportsman’s Club and enjoyed trap shooting with his wife and friends. He and his wife also enjoyed flower gardening, reading, and traveling.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanne Nelson Cooley, his stepson Ryan Loberg, his daughter-in-law Holly Loberg, and his granddaughters Olivia and Victoria. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Eric Cooley, and his brother John.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Rest easy, Pop. Love you. 

Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home is honored  to serve the family.