Obituary of Brendan Joseph McCooey

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brendan Joseph McCooey, a beloved father and grandfather. Brendan departed from this world on September 28, 2023, he was preceded in death by his wife Christine ‘Chris’ McCooey. Brendan was born on November 5, 1937, in Belfast, Ireland to Joseph and Jean McCooey.

He attended St. Malachy’s in Belfast graduating in 1954 and went into the Seminary after graduation. Brendan emigrated to the United States to Lake Bluff, IL through the seminary which he left only to be drafted by the U.S. Army in 1960, stationed primarily in Germany. After serving his new country, Brendan returned to the city of big shoulders. He met Chris there, and they were married in 1965. Later that same decade, he took advantage of the GI bill to receive his Juris Doctor from DePaul University, passing his bar exam in 1969.

It was in Chicago where they raised their son, Brian, and daughter, Kristen, ‘Krickie’. Brendan was blessed with three beautiful grandchildren, Aidan, Michael and Catherine from the marriage of Brian and Deirdre McCooey.

Brendan worked as a lawyer until he was appointed to the Cook County Circuit Court as a judge in 1986. Brendan loved nature especially hiking and birding. He volunteered his time for veteran’s causes using his woodworking skills on various projects to support veterans.

Brendan is survived by his sisters Joan McCooey and Grainne Donaghy in Donegal, Ireland and his brothers Paul and Joseph McCooey in Belfast and Clare, Ireland respectively.

Flowers will be graciously accepted. But also, in celebration and remembrance of Brendan’s generous spirit, donations can be made in lieu of flowers in Brendan’s name to the Arizona Land and Water Trust.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Tucson, AZ on November 11 at 10:30 AM. Brendan will be interned with his wife at the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista, AZ.