Richard "Chips" Cooney passed away on August 14, 2019. He was 79 years of age. Chips was born in Melrose on April 28, 1940, raised in Wakefield, graduated from Wakefield High School and from New England Broadcasting School.He served his country with pride in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Chips worked as a program director at Channel 38 and for the past 20 years worked as the recreational assistant at Hanscom Air Force Base for the 66th Service Combat Support & Community Services. He was the loving father of Kevin, Karin & Kathy Cooney. Also survived by his beloved cat Missy and numerous family members and friends. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 from 4:00-7:00PM. Followed by a Funeral Service & Military Honors at 7:00PM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the M.S.P.C.A, 350 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.