Steven Porter Cooley

Steve Cooley of Aptos, CA passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on February 19th of natural causes at the age of 63.

Steve was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and moved with his parents, Don and Diane Cooley, to Greenwich CT at the age of 2 where the Cooleys lived until 1966 when they moved to Santa Monica. At 19 he moved to Aptos to be near the family ranches and his beloved grandparents Tom and Berniece Porter of Watsonville and to attend Cabrillo College.

Steve was a fifth generation Californian, with deep roots in the Pajaro Valley. As the General Manager of Porter Ranches, he worked in tandem with his parents Don and Diane Cooley to ensure the well-being of the land and the growers who farm it. Steve loved the ranches and the region with all his heart. His connection to it came early from his deep bond with his grandfather "Papa Tom". Steve maintained wonderful relationships with everyone in the community and served on the Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz Agricultural History Project at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, the Watsonville Rotary Club and was a member of E Clampus Vitas. He also provided assistance with projects at All Saints Episcopal Church in Watsonville.

The legacy Steve leaves behind is substantial. His talents were broad, from his vast knowledge of farming, music, and books, to mechanics, wood-working, antiques restoration and his passion for raising Dahlias with his wife Debby. Famous for his hospitality, his skill in the kitchen and his mastery of the barbecue, he turned any meal into a time of togetherness with the sharing of food he loved to prepare.

In his youth, Steve was a swimmer, scuba diver, skier, sailor, outdoorsman, skilled soccer player and collector of all things unique. As an adult, his most profound passions were his family and friends. He was a man of vast talent and intelligence, and a fascinating conversationalist with his stories and quick wit. The greatest joys of his life were his wife Debby, his two children and three grandchildren, which went without measure. He was active in each of their lives from the day they were born and made time to spend with them at every opportunity. Steve valued relationships above all else and nurtured them with care, loyalty and respect. The warmth and hospitality he shared was infectious with his big smile, open arms and hearty laugh.

Knowing Steve meant the door was always ajar, the Welcome Mat was always out and the kitchen was always open. He never missed an opportunity to show up for events large and small to support, celebrate, or lend comfort in times of need. Always ready to bend the rules, he could make any routine thing something wonderful, magical and memorable, He will be missed by many for a very long time to come.

Steve is survived by his wife Debby Coolnas of Aptos, children Samuel Porter Cooley of Watsonville, and Kathryn Agaccio Doman of Atwater, in addition to his grandchildren Porter Ann Doman, Eva Mae Doman and Samuel Porter Cooley, Jr., parents Don and Diane Cooley of Watsonville, and sister Anne Cooley Youngblood of Carmel, in addition to numerous family members around the globe.

Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Santa Cruz County Agricultural History Project, PO Box 1181, Watsonville, CA 95077.

Published in The Pajaronian · March 17, 2021