Stephen Hopkins Cooney

Born on February 13, 1959, Stephen grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. A direct descendant of Stephen Hopkins, a passenger on the Mayflower and a signer of the Mayflower Compact, Stephen took great pride in his family’s remarkable heritage, embodying the same pioneering spirit and dedication to others.

Stephen was a man who truly never met a stranger. Known for his hilarious personality and quick wit, he could light up any room with laughter. His generosity knew no bounds—he would give a stranger the shirt off his back without hesitation.

As an Eagle Scout, Stephen’s sense of duty and preparedness guided him throughout his life. This was evident when, during the devastating flood on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, he heroically saved two people from the sunroof of a car, risking his own safety to ensure theirs.

Stephen was a loving husband to Gloria Maria Acevedo Cooney, with whom he shared a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together, they built a home rooted in kindness, generosity, and lifelong love.

Stephen was a master carpenter, his eye for detail was tremendous. He was a BBQ master and chef extraordinaire. His love of the outdoors was palatable whether he was camping, fishing, or walking with his wife on Roosevelt Beach in Half Moon Bay. His sense of humor, unmatched kindness, and unwavering courage left an indelible impact on everyone he met.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife Gloria Maria Acevedo Cooney, mother Ruthie Traub Devore, brother Brian Paul Cooney (Liz), sister Katherine (Katie) Elizabeth Cooney Khalsa (Kamlapati), preceded in death by father Joseph Leon Cooney and stepfather Douglas D. Devore, as well the entire Acevedo family in the Bay Area, France, and Colombia. His memory will live on through the lives he touched and the legacy of humor, courage, and compassion he left behind.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Boy Scouts of America in his memory. https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/031/appeal/7966

Stephen Hopkins Cooney will forever be remembered as a man of integrity, selflessness, and humor, who made the world a brighter, kinder place.

Rest in peace, Stephen. Your light, laughter, and legacy will never be forgotten.