Family honors loss through Toy for JoyDate: 12/5/2023 The impact of the sad and tragic loss still stings. The impact on the community and those who knew Michael Cooley is powerful and real.
The 68-year-old Cooley died on Nov. 14 of injuries sustained just over two weeks earlier when he was struck by a car while crossing State Street in Springfield in the area of Springfield Central Library outside his home at Classical Condominiums.
David G. Sacks, retired as a judge in Hampden Probate & Family Court, and his wife, Deborah Leopold, of Holyoke, did not hesitate to find a meaningful way to keep Cooley’s memory alive.
“Michael was just a really sweet guy. Loved sports. Very active in the community and a great, great memory,” said Sacks, whose $150 donation in Cooley’s name to the Toy for Joy campaign is among the recent contributions received.
Now in its 101st year, Toy for Joy is a collaborative effort by the Salvation Army with The Republican, Reminder Publishing, El Pueblo Latino and MassLive. The campaign goal is to raise $150,000 by Christmas eve.
Generations of Western Massachusetts residents have seen Toy for Joy as a way to remember departed friends and family while also helping make Christmas a happier time for underprivileged children in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Sacks said he and his wife are proud to put Michael Cooley’s name amongst those so recognized.
Springfield lost one of its most beloved citizens when Cooley died, according to Sacks.
Cooley was developmentally challenged, but that didn’t stop him from living a full life of joy, optimism and volunteer activities that included work with the Salvation Army, a co-sponsor of Toy for Joy.
His willingness to help others was both inexhaustible and inspiring, according to the judge. Cooley’s job at the Hampden County Registry of Probate was important work that Sacks, who worked with him, said Cooley did flawlessly and with great attention to detail.
“Michael could remember all the case numbers. Our files at probate were kept in the vault, and lawyers, judges and clerks would call out for one and the staff had to keep track,” Sacks said. “I’d see Michael at the doorway, holding out a file we needed, and it made my day. Those are great, great memories.”
Cooley’s late father, Sidney Cooley, a longtime District Court judge, was, like his son, active in service to the community, died at age 100 in 2014. “He was a peach of a guy, too,” Sacks said.
Donations to Toy for Joy go directly to youths ages 16 and under who might otherwise be left out of the joy of Christmas. Children of eligible families receive an age-appropriate toy and a book, promoting happiness and literacy in the true Christmas spirit. Gift distribution will be conducted in mid-December from Salvation Army locations in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield.
The coupon published with this story may be used to submit a contribution by mail to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. Donors can also make online contributions at SalvationArmyma.org/toyforjoydonation.
List of donors as of Nov. 30:
- Happy holidays from the French family, $100.
- In loving memory of Cheryl Ann Levy, $25.
- In loving memory of Ev, Frank, Ina and Don, $100.
- Anonymous, $200.
- In loving memory of James Borgo, $10.
- Denise, $15.
- In loving memory of my parents Rena and Mike Paretta, $50.
- Enjoy the holiday, $18.
- In memory of Bob Przekopwski: Thinking of you every day from the Przekopwski family, $25.
- Thinking of you always Crawford, $25.
- Anonymous, $10.
- For the children, $100.
- In celebration of our grandchildren, Sarah, Parker, Alex, Sophie and Stella, $20.
- For Chuck, $25.
- In memory of Chris. Love, Pam, $10.
- Anonymous, $100.
- Merry Christmas from Izzy and Reese, $100.
- In memory of Annie and Philip Mirarchi and Rose, Hugo and Roger Sedran, $100.
- Merry Christmas from Sullivan Keating & Moran Insurance Agency, $400.
- Rocky, $100.
- In memory of Robert Finnegan, $100.
- In dear loving memory of my father, my best friend. I miss you so much. Love, Lana, $20.
- In memory of Stephen, $40.
- A smile from a child receiving a gift is a blessing, $25.
- Merry Christmas from Patrice, $200.
- In memory of Mom and Dad Donaldson, Paul, Mikey, Sally and Robin, $25.
- In loving memory of William and Carolyn from Joan, $50.
- Harvey and Jackie, $25.
- Happy holidays to all from Ellie, $100.
- Margaret, $100.
- Glad to help the children from Jean, $25.
- From Bob and Josie, $100.
- Thank you St. Jude, Pat, $10.
- In memory of Helen Knight who gave every year, $20.
- In gratitude for all of our blessings from Dennis and Lori, $100.
- Have a merry Christmas from Jack and Dianne, $30.
- In memory of Dwight and Elva Viggers, Dad and Mom, $20.
- Happy holidays from Teresa, $20.
- Merry Christmas from Heather and Heidi, $100.
- In memory of the Siegel and Moore families. Love, Shirley, $20.
- To family and friends that light up my life: Thank you, $60.
- Anonymous, $50.
- Anonymous, $250.
- In memory of my running buddies George Ryan and Ed Hanechak, $50.
- May every child have a present to open on Christmas, $200.
- In loving memory of Edward J. Bolow from his family, $50.
- In memory of Tim Bassett and Danielle J. Bassett, $30.
- In appreciation of a great family from David, $25.
- In loving memory of my husband Richie. Love always, Patty, $25.
- In memory of my beloved husband who is much missed from Katherine, $20.
- Sunny, $50.
- In memory of Michael, Elinore and Elizabeth Dunphy, $100.
- In memory of Donald and Maureen Milbier and Lori Milbier, $100.
- Thanks to my caretaker Michelle and the Mark Twain people, $1.
- In memory of best friends Doug Sharpe and Jeremy McGorty, $1.
- In honor of Amy’s special birthday. Merry Christmas to all, $60.
- In loving memory of our darling Colleen. Never forgotten, $50.
- In loving memory of our parents and sister Linda, $100.
- In memory of Michael Granger, Charlotte Granger and Dottie Pelter, $100.
- In memory of Al and Lucy DiStefano, Al, Carol and Angie, $20.
- Merry Christmas from the Hosmers, $50.
- In memory of Alyssa S. Huntley, $50.
- In memory of the Barry and the Maloney families, $100.
- In memory of Mike Haskell, $100.
- Wishing my good friend Johann a merry Christmas from C., $25.
- From all our family that have passed from Ron Kaddy and family, $100.
- Merry Christmas from Taffy, TJ., Miss T., Toby and Tucker, $130.
- In memory of Dad F., aunts, uncles and Mom and Dad, $50.
- From Dolly Bagge, in memory of St. Jude, $200.
- Merry Christmas. Love, Santa, $100.
- Merry Christmas and happy new year from Walt and Judy, $100.
- For the children from Jack, Laura, Evan and Mark Nelson, $100.
- In memory of the O’Connor and O’Neil families, $50.
- In memory of Hazel and Athas Rossi and their children, Peter, Nola, Susan and Tina, $20.
- In memory of my wife Kathleen Cournoyer, $100.
- In memory of Marion and Daniel Bisi, $100.
- Cheryl, $15.
- In memory of Salvatore and Filomena Ragone, $25.
- Celebration of family and God’s many blessings, $100.
- In honor of Herbert and Geraldine Bock, $100.
- In loving memory of Kenneth and Virginia Peterson, $40.
- Remembering Joe, Jack and Flo, $25.
- To Tom’s boys, $20.
- Merry Christmas from Scott and Chris, $40.
- In memory of wife Beverly and son Daniel, $25.
- In loving memory of our Papa, God bless. Love, Colby and Shelby, $25.
- In memory of Grammy, $33.
- In memory of Sheila and William Herchuck, $100.
- In loving memory of my husband Harding J. Stewart from Bev, $50.
- In memory of Edward, Mary and Peggy Girotti, $50.
- In lieu of Christmas cards this year from H.H. and K.H., $25.
- Merry Christmas and peace to all from Bill and Rita, $100.
- Merry Christmas, Steve. Love always, Mom, Dad and Mike, $25.
- In memory of Dennis, $25.
- Colleen and Loy, $250.
- For the Gil, Gardner, Fuller, Wayner and Trimboli family members who have passed from John and Debra, $25.
- Miss you and love you tons and tons kiddo. I am always here for you, and I love you forever. Love, Dad, $20.
- In memory of Joseph Caldwell, $50.
- In memory of Michael Cooley from Deborah Leopold and David Sacks, $150.
- In memory of Stanley and Mabel Chrusciel, $25.
- To Danielle LaTaille and all of the Salvation Army: Thank you for all that you do for Springfield!, $50.
- Brenda, $500.
- For my mom, Elizabeth, and my sister, Annie, $50.
- Lissa, $150.
- Merry Christmas from Michael and Beth Crowley, $500.
- Susan, $500.
- Janice, $300.
- Joan, $25.
- In memory of Jean Caldwell, $50.
- Tim, $125.
- Merry Christmas to all and peace here and abroad,$200.
- In memory of Nancy & Roger Gauthier, with love from the Marcotte family, $100.
- Happy holidays from U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, $2,000.
- From Lorraine, $25.
- From Kris, $25.
- Much love from the Nunes family, $50.
- In memory of Ted Dutkiewicz, his character, contribution, commitment and good humor, $20.
- In memory of Rachel, a cat who loved Christmas, $2.
- In memory of Harry and Claire Broderick. Love, your family, $10.
- In memory of Marie L. Brunelle and Thomas J. Murphy, $5.
- In memory of Jack. We miss you. $3.
- In memory of Maggie, our beautiful girl, $3.
- In memory of Darwin Ward, $2.
- In memory of Flynner. Love, the Montagna family, $5.
- Merry Christmas Mason James Ward. Love, Grammy and Papa, $5.
- Merry Christmas Nora Grace Hazelwood. Love, Grammy and Papa, $5.
- Merry Christmas Scarlett Claire Hazelwood. Love, Grammy and Papa, $.5
- In loving memory of Dolly & Hugo Mezzetti. Merry Christmas,$25.
- Much love and happiness to our future children, $100.
- Wishing you all a season of peace and joy, $25.
- Merry Christmas from Helen, $25.
- Peace on earth, good will to “ALL” mankind, $100.
- In memory of John Salerno and Lynette Shipman. Love, Mom and Dad, $100.
- Merry Christmas from Tim Green and Dad Bob Green, $50.
- Grandchildren Grayson, Kendall, Fiona & Amelia. Love, Memere and Jahju, $40.
- Mom, Dad, Steven, we miss you. Love, Maryanne, Sam, Sarah, $25.
- In memory for Skip and Family, $25.
- From S.A.C., $25.
- In memory of family and friends no longer with us, $20.
- Merry Christmas from Peter Vogian, $150.
- From Kathryn, $15.
- Our happiness is your smile. Merry Christmas N & P, $50.
- Peace on earth to all from Donna, $100.
- Memory of Charlotte Worden. She loved Christmas, $25.
- In memory of Carmella and Joseph Staples from Craig and Darlene, $50.
- In memory of Claire and Richard Mastey from Craig and Darlene, $50.
- Peace for all human kind, $50.
- In memory of my brother Freddie L. Tosado, $150.
- In memory of Ruth LaBelle and John LaBelle from the employees of Direct Results, $300.
- Anonymous, $10.
- Hope this helps! $5.
- Love Seas, $20.
- In memory of Pops, Gammie and Grammie, $50.
- In memory of Mom, Dad and Bob, $30.
- My husband Dick loved Christmas, $25.
- To put a smile on a child’s face from Mary, $30.
- The Donoghue Family, $300.
- In memory of my boy and all our furbabies, $50.
- In loving memory of Gramma, Grampa, Gram, Poppie, Bobby and Mike, $50.
- So thankful for family from Memere, $25.
- Merry Christmas from J and J, $20.
- From Jack and Lucille, $25.
- Thankful for my beautiful family and wonderful friends, $100.
- In memory of my Mom from John., $20.
- For loved ones here and gone. Merry Christmas from Barbara, $25.
- In loving memory of Mom, Dad, Mel and Angie from Sandy and Terry, $30.
- In loving memory of Ma, Pa, Gwen, Bob, Doug and Cay from Terry and Sandy, $30.
- In loving memory of Mary, Stella and Vicki from Sandy, $30.
- Merry Christmas from the Mason family, $200.
- In memory of my loved ones from Diane, $100.
- Anonymous, $100.
- Love and remembrance of Bryan Sunter, Mom, Dad, Brendan Brady, $150.
- In memory of Mom and Dad from Karen, $20.
- In memory of the “FANGS”: Jack, Bob, Bill and Donald, $100.
- In memory of Stell who loved Toy for Joy, $100.
Total to date: $15,575
Still needed: $134,425
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