C.E. "Pep" Cooney, the longtime president and general manager of KPNX-TV (Channel 12) in Phoenix, died Wednesday at the age of 70.
Cooney of Phoenix became well-known to Valley television viewers during his 18-year tenure with his on-air editorials broadcast on Channel 12.
Cooney died from an aortic embolism suffered Aug. 25 after surgery.
Cooney started at KPNX in 1977 as president and general manager. In 1995, he moved to a corporate position with station’s owner, Gannett. He retired in 1998.
He is survived by his wife, Cheri; sons Rhett and Sean; daughters Holly Cooney-Whiteman and Nicole Cooney-Blomquist; and 18 grandchildren. Lin Sue Cooney, a Channel 12 news anchor, is his daughter-in-law.
A private service will be 7 p.m. Friday at Arizona Country Club in Phoenix. A memorial is scheduled for Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Arcadia Ward, 4225 N. 56th St., Phoenix, with a viewing at 10 a.m. Services will follow at 11 a.m. and then a private burial.
