ATHENS, Ohio –– Robert E. “Bob” Cooley, Jr., 77, passed away Jan. 18, 2026, at Kimes Rehabilitation Center, Athens, after a long, courageous battle with Myasthenia Gravis, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, and Parkinson’s disease.
Bob was born in Athens, and was a 1966 graduate of Athens High School where he was an athlete playing on the baseball, basketball, and varsity golf teams. Playing golf turned into a lifelong passion and vocation for him.
Bob attended Ohio University and played on its golf team which was coached by the legendary Kermit Blosser. In 1969, he played on the Mid-American Championship team. Bob graduated in 1970 from Ohio University with a Bachelor’s of Business degree. He proceeded to join the Canadian Pro Golf circuit and subsequently returned to Athens to run the family business, Union Printing Co., Inc.
While back in Athens he coached the Athens High School golf team. Bob then became the Ohio University assistant golf coach until Blosser’s retirement in 1988. At that time he took over the head coaching duties and continued as head coach for over thirty years. Bob retired as the Ohio University Director of Golf in 2018.
Bob founded and served on the board of the O’Bleness Charity Golf Tournament for over twenty years.
Bob is survived by his wife of 34 years Nannette “Nan”; a daughter, Brynn (Tyler) Duke: a sister, Susan (Jeff) Bunch; a brother- in-law, John (Ewa Lewandowska) Borkowski; a sister-in-law, Barbara Denny; three nephews, Scott (Kimi) Bunch, Chris (Samantha) Bunch and Mark (Anna) Denny; a niece; Megan (Dan) Colascione; three grand nephews; one grand niece; numerous cousins, and many, many devoted friends.
Bob was pre-deceased by his parents, Robert E. (Bob) Sr. and Betty Cooley; in-laws, John and Virginia Borkowski; a brother-in-law Robert Borkowski; and a nephew, Matthew Denny.
Calling hours will be 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Jagers and Sons Funeral Home, 24 Morris Ave., Athens. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at 11 am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations can be made to the Ohio University Foundation supporting Men’s or Women’s Golf teams. Mailing address is Ohio University Foundation, P.O. Box 869, Athens, OH 45701. Online donations can be made here. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
