News Summary
The towns of Pulaski and Somerset are mourning the passing of two beloved residents, Fred Melvin Cloonan, Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Tooley. Cloonan, a veteran and retired corrections officer, leaves behind a legacy of community service. Tooley, who had a life filled with family love, was also highly regarded in her community. Their funerals will provide opportunities for friends and family to come together to remember their significant contributions and cherished moments they shared.
Pulaski, Virginia – Two local residents passed away in October 2025, leaving families and friends to mourn their losses. Fred Melvin Cloonan, Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Tooley both had rich lives, contributing to their communities and cherishing family connections.
Fred Melvin Cloonan, Jr., age 78, of Pulaski, died on October 15, 2025, at Heritage Hall in Rich Creek, Virginia. Born on May 12, 1947, in Stanton, Virginia, he was the son of Fred Melvin Cloonan, Sr. and Charlotte Baylor Cloonan, both of whom preceded him in death. Fred was also preceded by his sisters Mary Beebe and Joyce Cloonan, his brother William “Billy” Cloonan, and his stepson Justin Kislek.
After dedicating 31 years to the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Corrections, Fred retired. His service extended beyond his professional life, as he was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Harman Cloonan, who resides in Pulaski, along with a stepdaughter, Samantha Ayin, living in Sacramento, California. Additional family members include his sister, Patricia Cloonan Prentiss from Williamsburg, Virginia, and his brother, Christopher Cloonan from Waynesboro, Virginia. Fred was also a grandfather to four grandchildren: Khiana Ayin, Kamea Ayin, Keala Ayin, and Jayce Kislek.
A memorial service to honor Cloonan’s life is scheduled for 1:00 PM on November 6, 2025, at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin. Arrangements are being managed by Bower Funeral Home & Crematory in Pulaski.
In addition to Cloonan, Mary Elizabeth Tooley, 87, of Somerset, passed away on October 22, 2025, in Somerset, Kentucky. A funeral service honoring her life is arranged for 2:00 PM on October 29, 2025, at the Pulaski Funeral Home. Before the service, family and friends will have the opportunity to gather at the funeral home starting at 12:00 noon on the same day. Pulaski Funeral Home is responsible for all arrangements concerning her passing, and further details regarding her obituary will be shared later.
Meanwhile, another local resident, Sue Coggin, age 88, who was born on October 11, 1937, in Red Oak Community, Lincoln County, Tennessee, also passed away on October 22, 2025. Sue worked for the Bank of Frankewing and was known for her active involvement in the East Hill Church of Christ.
Sue Coggin was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Verna Davis, her husband Bobby Coggin, her brother Eddie Davis, and her sister Louise Hamlin. A visitation for Sue was held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on October 21, 2025, at Carr and Erwin Funeral Home. Her funeral services began at 12:00 noon on October 22, 2025, also at Carr and Erwin Funeral Home, with interment following in Giles Memory Gardens. The family requested that anyone wishing to express condolences consider making memorial contributions to the East Hill Church of Christ Benevolence Fund.
Sue is survived by her daughter, Denise Bicknell (Tim), residing in Antioch; two grandchildren, Rebecca Holcom (Josh) and Blake Bicknell; and her great-grandchildren, Savannah, Mason, and Daisy.
This month has seen a significant loss to the communities of Pulaski and the surrounding areas, but the lives of Fred Melvin Cloonan, Jr., Mary Elizabeth Tooley, and Sue Coggin will be remembered and cherished by their loved ones.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Pulaski Funeral Home: Mary Tooley Obituary
- Wikipedia: Pulaski, Virginia
- Dignity Memorial: Sue Coggin Obituary
- Google Search: Pulaski Virginia news
- Legacy: Elaina Nelson Obituary
- Google Scholar: Pulaski Virginia
- Legacy: Alvin Wielgus Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
