Terrance J Cooney

Terry passed away early Friday March 4, 2022, peacefully in his sleep. He was simply a perfect gentleman. The kind of guy that would light a room up when he walked in. He was someone that loved to sing, dance, enjoyed food and loved his family.

Terrance "Terry" Joseph Cooney was born in Condon, OR., on April 12, 1933. He became a multi-sport athlete for Sacred Heart Academy in Salem, OR. He once hit a 35-foot buzzer-beater. He was considered one of the best fullbacks in the state. Terry then attended the Oregon College of Education, where a knee injury ended his football career. He then proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.

Terry then settled in California. While working as a prison guard, he and an inmate set up an umpiring school for convicts. That same convict came to him one day and told him to get out of that depressing line of work and try umpiring professionally. "I like to tell people I was conned into umpiring," Cooney told the Los Angeles Times in 1988.

Terry started making inquiries about the profession in 1968. From the California League, Cooney moved to the Texas League in 1970 and the Pacific Coast League in 1971. He was named to the umpiring crew for the PCL playoffs in 1973. He reached the major leagues in September of 1974, after the PCL's season had ended.

Terry got a full-time position with the American League in 1975. Cooney umpired in the American League for the next 18 seasons, for a total of 2,233 games. He worked three AL Championships in 1978, 1986 and 1990, as well as the 1981 World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees. He was part of the umpiring crew for All-Star Games in 1979 and 1989 as well.

Terry retired from umpiring in Sep. 1992. He then enjoyed Golfing, fishing, traveling with his wife and cooking. But loved nothing more than to watch his good ole' classic western shows.

Terry was elected to the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. "We are all proud of it. I think that was great, watching that little twinkle in his eye," his granddaughter Brittany Funderburg told KMPH News.

Terry is survived by his stepdaughter Pam and his 4 children, Teryl Andrews (Husband Phil), Shane Holden (wife Anne and children Ian and Alexis), Dianne Nichols (children Anthony, Mary, Derek and Jerad) and Kimberly Montana (children Viktoria and Ciara). He is also survived by the love of his life, wife of 35 years Joanne Cooney, their Yorkie Terra-lee #2 and Joannes' 2 children Rhonda Harrison (husband Skip) and Kevin Funderburg (wife Debbie and children Brittany, Paul and Kevin Jr). And 9 great-grandchildren.

Terrys' entire family would like to extend gratitude to Dignity gardens, Bristol Hospice and Boice Funeral home, for the help that was provided to help Terry finally rest peacefully.

He will be in Sanger at the cemetery beneath the oak tree.

A Celebration of Life reception for Terrance will be held Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Elks lodge, Woodworth Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Cooney family