Obituary of Irene E. Cool

FRANKFORT – Mrs. Irene Esther (Stilwell) Cool, age 85, a longtime Frankfort resident, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, May 4, 2018, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, with her loving family by her bedside.

Born on August 2, 1932, Irene was the daughter of the late Elmer and Esther (Huziker) Stilwell. Her childhood years were spent growing up on Frankfort Hill, and she was a graduate from Proctor High School with the Class of 1950. She later got her license as a Certified Nurse’s Aide and spent over thirty-four years with the Masonic Care Community until her retirement three years ago. Irene shared in a former marriage with the late Clifford C. Cool, Sr. and together they were blessed with seven children.

Irene could only be described as a woman who was constantly involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As she raised her family, she never let her children go without. She was active with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Head Start Program and 4-H Club. She was selfless and giving by nature; her main concern was taking care of everyone and everything else around her. She was strong, both mentally and physically, and had a huge heart and kind manner.

She loved being outdoors and throughout the years owned and loved many horses. She would take in animals in need and nurture them back to health. She showed the same love and affection to the residents at the nursing home, making sure that there were no holidays or special occasions that they didn’t feel loved and cared for. She leaves a legacy of love to her large family, and she will forever be remembered in their hearts.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Leo Fadel of Inlet, Sharon and Rev. Charles Sweet of Utica and Cindy Thompson of Frankfort; her sons and daughters-in-law, Rev. Clifford C. Cool, Jr. of Prattsville, NY, Clay C. and Lisa Cool of Frankfort, Cory C. Cool of Frankfort and Chad C. and Debbie Cool of Schuyler; her grandchildren, Michael, Colleen, Adrienne, Jason, Jeremy, Jordan, Justina, Heather, Brandy, Cody, Chance, Christie, Kimberly, Clifford, III, Derek, Megan, Amy, Cory, Jr., Curtis, Ashley, Natasha, Miranda, Shawn and Briana; her 28 great-grandchildren; and her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Gail Stilwell. She also leaves behind her beloved horse, Thunder, and her dog, Sprocket.


Besides her parents and husband, Irene was predeceased by her granddaughter, Nicole; her daughter-in-law, Linda Cool; her son-in-law, Gary Thompson; and her brothers, Kenneth Stilwell and Ronald Stilwell. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the amazing staff at St. Elizabeth's ICU, especially Luke, Jackie and Renee. 


It was Irene's wish to not have calling hours or a formal funeral service when she passed. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a graveside service on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 11:30AM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frankfort. In lieu of flowers or donations, please consider providing the family with a note of memory so they can remember Irene. Together, they can enjoy your thoughts, prayers, condolences and love for her. Please address them to: The Family of Irene Cool, c/o Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY 13357.

Irene's final arrangements have been entrusted to Martin L. Ciaccia and Harry and Kevin Enea, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.