William W. Cooley, age 94, of Longwood at Oakmont, passed away July 17, 2024.
Bill was the beloved husband of 69 years of Cynthia, father of Warren (Anita Klein) and Robin (Jennifer Sanders), grandfather of Megan Cooley-Klein (Matt Desrochers), Michelle Cooley-Klein (Emily Winner), and Olivia Kelly.

Bill was born and raised in West Bend, WI.  He received a BS degree from Lawrence University, and an MA from the University of Minnesota.  After a year teaching at Mid-Pacific Institute in Hawaii, he moved to the Harvard Graduate School of Education for his EdD, staying on as Assistant Professor, teaching computer applications and statistical methods as used in educational research. He moved to the University of Pittsburgh to direct Project Talent, a national study of high school students. He continued at Pitt as a professor until retirement in 1998.  He was the author of five books, over twenty book chapters, and numerous journal articles. He directed the Learning Research and Development Center at Pitt for 8 years, and served as president of the American Educational Research Assoc.  Sabbatical years took him to Australia and Palo Alto, but his favorite was being "Dean of the Universe," on the Pitt student ship, the SS Universe, for its voyage around the world in 1987.

Bill and Cynthia's many trips often included sailing, biking, wine-tasting, tennis, skiing, or scuba diving.  He used his computer-editing skills to produce 40 videos of the trips, which he delighted to show friends at dinner parties.  He enjoyed outdoor grilling and making special dishes for monthly "Gourmet Club" dinners.  "Bill's Bouillabaisse" was a favorite.  Other skills included playing the trombone, making stretchers and frames for Cynthia's art, and endless repairs on their homes in O'Hara and Durham, NH.

"Cooley Point" was their summer home on Durham's Great Bay since 1979, next door to his co-author Paul Lohnes.  Many boats were docked there over the years, especially "Great Blue," which he had built on the lines of a traditional lobster boat.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, https://pittsburghsymphony.org/pso_home/web/give-landing/individual-giving .  Arrangements by Burket-Truby Funeral Home, Oakmont.