Roderick “Rick” Sheridan Cooney, Jr. passed in his home in Meadow Vista, California, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the age of 77. He was born on February 21, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, to parents Roderick Sheridan Cooney and Sally Davis Cooney. Roderick graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1967, where he served as class president and played on the football team. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts, cum laude, from California State University, Long Beach in 1972. He worked as a professional painting contractor, owning his own business, and later taught for the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) until 2017.He married Sharon Briggs in Costa Mesa, California, in 1977, and they were married for 42 years. Their daughter, Shalin, was born in Costa Mesa, and the family moved to Sacramento, California, in 1986, where their son, Roderick “Erick”, was born. Roderick was a passionate guitar player and singer with a deep respect for nature- he never let a beautiful sunset go unnoticed. He enjoyed cooking and sharing delicious meals with those he loved. His love of theater and drama shone through in his animated storytelling, and he could command a room with his powerful presence. He found joy and purpose through volunteer work, particularly his time serving others at Loaves & Fishes. Giving was one of his love languages, and he enjoyed giving to others through service and thoughtful gifts. He will forever be remembered as a kind, funny, authentic, and generous man. Roderick is survived by his daughter, Shalin Butterworth, and her husband, David Butterworth; his son, Roderick Cooney, and his fiancée, Jodi Charter; and his grandchildren, Ashlin and Brixton Butterworth. His memory and loving kindness live on in his family and the many friends whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roderick Sheridan Cooney and Sally Davis Cooney, and his sister, Catherine Marie Cooney. Roderick found a deep sense of peace and connection with nature, and would be honored if those who loved him made a donation to the Friends of Big Bear Valley in support of the eagles he loved to watch, planted a tree or flowers in his memory, paused to enjoy a sunset, or shared a favorite memory with his family. A private gathering will be held in his honor. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.