NEW: Rhode Island Business Leader Edward J. Cooney Dies
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Edward J. Cooney has died, it was announced by his employers, Nortek, Inc., today. Photo: Providence Chamber of Commerce.
Cooney was also former chairman of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and a former president of the North Kingstown Town Council. He joined Nortek as vice president and treasurer in 2001 and was appointed senior vice president in 2011. He was named Man of the Year by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Providence in 2011, and was the Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Providence in 2010.
Cooney was the Executive Vice President-Sales and Market at Amtrol, Inc., in West Warwick, from 1998-2000; he was the company's Senior Vice President-CFO from 1978-2000.
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Cooney's involvements in business were many, and deep. He served on the Board of Directors of the A.T. Cross Company, Gilbane Company and Leonard Valve Company. He also served as the Chair of the A.T. Cross Audit Committee and was on its Compensation Committee. He was chair of the Audit Committee of Gilbane Company.
Cooney served on the Board of Directors of Care New England and Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Rhode Island Commodores. He has served as Chairman of the Kent Hospital Board and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.
He was an elected member of the North Kingstown Town Council from 2004-2008 and served as Town Council President. He served as Chairman of the Transition Committee for Attorney General Elect Peter Kilmartin in 2010-2011; Chairman of the Commission on Revenue, Sustainability and Efficiency for the Providence City Council in 2011; and Co-Chair of Transit 2020 from 2009-2011.
A mentor, a trusted advisor, and a great friend
"Beyond the enormous professional contributions he made to our corporate success, Ed Cooney was a mentor, a trusted advisor and a great friend to me and many of us here at Nortek," said Michael J. Clarke, Nortek's President and Chief Executive Officer, in a statement.
"Ed was a tremendous family man and loyal citizen of Rhode Island who garnered widespread respect from all who knew him. He will be sorely missed here and beyond the company. The board of directors and everyone at Nortek extends our heartfelt condolences to Ed's family and friends."
