Cooley, George Ralph, 1896-1986.

George R. Cooley was born May 29, 1896 in Troy, N.Y. In the fall of 1917 he enrolled at Colgate University, three years after his graduation from high school, during which time he worked at a variety of occupations in order to save enough money for school. Six months after entering Colgate Cooley joined the United States Army, leaving the service ten months later as a second lieutenant.

Upon his return to Troy, Cooley sought employment from a local banker, who instead of giving him a job, advised him to seek his fortunes in bonds. Cooley eventually landed a position at the private banking house of Dillon, Read and Company, here he learned the investment banking business. After being transferred to Albany, Cooley formed his own investment firm, George R. Cooley and Company (now known as First Albany Corporation). Cooley's success in the investment banking business allowed him to "retire" in 1953.

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