Benjamin L. "Ben" Cooley

Benjamin L. “Ben” Cooley, Jr., age 62, of Hillsdale, MI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo with his loving family by his side. He was born on September 19, 1961 to Benjamin Sr. and Sally (Ziegler) Cooley in Toledo, OH. Benjamin graduated from Bowsher High School. He worked as a truck driver for many years. He was a die-hard fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes. 

Ben loved nothing more than spending his time at Bear Lake with friends who became family and just being at the picnic table near the water. He gave breath stealing hugs, endless laughter and never met a stranger. Ben made everyone feel special, loved and that they were the only ones in the room. 

Ben’s greatest passion was his family; his daughters and grandchildren were the light of his life. He was “contagious”, his humor, his smile, his kindness, his orneriness, his banter, everything about him was just “contagious”. Ben’s love for his people was deep and fierce. 

Ben will leave a Bear Lake sized hole in our hearts forever! Go “Make a Picture”. 

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Bronson Sanders. Left to cherish Ben’s memory are his loving daughters, Brittany (Cory) Sanders and Paige (Sylvester) Castro; mother, Sally (Larry) Strait; grandchildren, Aiden, Darius, Alysia, and Cullen; siblings, William “Boomer” (Tamara) Cooley and Tamara (Darin) Fellowes; many other family members and dear friends. 

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home – Southwest Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (419-381-1900) with a Celebration of Life beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home. 

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, IN. 

To share a memory of Ben or to leave a special message for his family please visit the Guestbook below.