(WXYZ) — A metro Detroit priest has passed away after contracting COVID-19.
The Archdiocese of Detroit says Father Michael Cooney died on Nov. 26 at the age of 72.
Cooney, born in Detroit, was a priest since 1975. He served as Pastor of St. Peter Parish, Mount Clemens; Parochial Vicar of St. Suzanne/Our Lady Gate of Heaven Parish, Detroit; St. Malachy Parish, Sterling Heights; St. Basil the Great Parish, Eastpointe; and National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica Parish, Royal Oak.
The Archdiocese says that while Cooney’s cause of death is not yet known, he had been in "fragile health for some time" and recently was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Visitation for will take place from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Mt. Clemens. Cooney will lie in repose at St. Peter Church from 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4 until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 11 a.m.
Due to the large crowd expected, the funeral Mass will be live-streamed. He will be interred at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.
He is survived by his sister, Sister Leontia Cooney, OP, a retired Adrian Dominican.
