Alfred J. Cooley

Alfred J. Cooley, 59, of Asbury Park, passed away, Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at home.  He was born in Manhattan, NY and resided in Matawan, prior to settling in Asbury Park.  Alfred had an extensive career in advertising starting in his early 20’s with jobs at amazing publications and organizations, such as, 17 Magazine, the TV Guide and the U.S. Olympic Committee. He was also the publisher of the commemorative 25th anniversary magazine celebrating the Wide World of Sports. He was the founder of the Irish American Cultural Exchange, bringing cross cultural awareness to the United States and Ireland and was involved with the Best Buddies Program for the Special Olympics. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during peacetime. Alfred was a well-spoken, intelligent and caring man, with an incredible sense of humor. He was a proud father who loved his children. Alfred went out of his way to reach out to those less fortunate then he was and always tried to show great love for his fellow man. 

Alfred was predeceased by his parents, William Patrick and Marion Doris (Schrade) Cooley; two brothers, Brian Schmitt and Bill Cooley; and a brother-in-law, Andy Ruiz.  He is survived by his loving children, Daniel Cooley and his wife Rebecca of East Windsor and Grace Cooley of Manalapan; his siblings, Marianne Walker and husband Bo, Stephen Schmitt and wife Deb, Deci Ruiz, Soozie Rossidis and husband Steve, Jean Spear and husband Bill, Trisha Hazeltine and husband Mickey, Catherine Schmitt, Jennifer Brewer and husband Grant, and Sean Cooley and his fiancée Tiffany Benham; his former wife, Barbara; and several nieces and nephews.  He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.

At the direction of the family, Alfred was privately cremated.  A memorial visitation will take place on Monday, April 24, 2017, from 4-8PM, at Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Place, Keyport, NJ  07735; and a memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, 10AM at St. Clement RC Church, Freneau Ave./Rt. 79, Matawan.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Alfred’s name to the New Hope Foundation, https://newhopeibhc.org/.  You may post a condolence to the family or obtain directions to the funeral home at the website www.dayfuneralhome.com.