Father Cooney was born March 10, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan, and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1975.

Father Cooney was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Elizabeth Cooney; his brother, Bishop Patrick Cooney; and his sister, Mary Cooney. He is survived by his sister, Sister Leontia Cooney, OP, a retired Adrian Dominican.

Father Cooney served as Pastor of St. Peter Parish, Mount Clemens; Parochial Vicar of St. Suzanne/Our Lady Gate of Heaven Parish, Detroit; St. Malachy Parish, Sterling Heights; St. Basil the Great Parish, Eastpointe; and National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica Parish, Royal Oak.

Fr. Mike attended grade school at St. Clement in Dearborn, Sacred Heart Seminary High School, and St. John Seminary in Plymouth. He was ordained to the priesthood at his home parish, St. Clement in Dearborn, by Cardinal John Dearden on June 6, 1975. He had a love of learning. He earned a Doctorate in Ministry at St. Mary College in Baltimore, MA and a Doctorate in Education at Wayne State. He earned a Master's Degree in Education from the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. He also was awarded a Sabbatical for three months to study in Rome.

During his college days he worked summers at the Ford Rouge Plant in Dearborn with his Dad. He was also known to have tended bar at the Tipp.

Fr. Mike was Chaplain to police departments in Macomb County, and earlier in Detroit where he also worked with the drug enforcement unit.

He played ice hockey with the priest's team when he was younger. He enjoyed playing a weekly golf game with friends for many years but more recently he watched golf on TV. Fr. Mike enjoyed following the Red Wings, Tigers and Lions. His favorite, however, was watching Notre Dame football.

Fr. Mike enjoyed the Florida sunshine for some January get-aways, especially with his sisters – Sr. Lee and Maureen, and his brother, Bishop Pat, when they could all be together. For many years, whenever possible the four siblings had Sunday dinner at Maureen's house, their family home.

They travelled many times to Ireland where they visited with their cousins. There were trips to Australia, Hungary, Italy and Alaska.

Fr. Mike was great with finances. He often reminded his staff to be good stewards of money donated by our parishioners. He did not like to preach about money at Sunday Mass. With the help of the Parish Finance Council, and our Parish Family and friends, he has accomplished much in the building of the Fr. Welch Parish Hall, the new Gymnasium at St. Mary School, the beautiful church parking lots and the Shrine to Mary in honor of all the students who have attended St. Mary School over the past 150 years.

Fr. Mike also served as Vicar for the Detroit Westside Vicariate and the Central Macomb Vicariate.

Being a priest was his life. He was priest confidant and friend to many. He often asked, "How can we serve people better?" He suffered loss and illness in his own life which made him more compassionate.

Children looked forward to his high fives in pre-COVID times.

He inspired loyalty in many and was a loyal friend in return, and the best ambassador of his Irish heritage. In the lives he touched, he loved deeply, and is loved deeply in return, on both sides of eternity.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the church with Archbishop Allen Vigneron officiating.

Private burial will be held on Saturday at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions: face masks must be worn entire time (mouth and nose has to be covered). Food and drinks not permitted. Please limit your time of viewing to allow another guest to visit.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Will and Schwarzkoff Funeral Home, 233 Northbound Gratiot Avenue, Mount Clemens.