PHOENIX, NY – Leonard J. Cooper Jr., 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 8, 2017.
He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Carol Frawley Cooper; his brother, William A. Cooper; his daughters, Colleen (Robert) Walker,
Sandra (Chris) Hirsh and Mary (Larry) Hughes; his son, Jeffrey Cooper; his grandchildren, Mandy (Greg) Walts, Michael Hirsh, Joshua Gates, April (Scott) Urban, Randi (Nicholas) Proukou, Ashley (Aaron) Sirtoli, Ryanne Hughes, Travis Hughes, Lindsey (Ryan) Hirsh, Kori Hughes, Kylee Hughes, Jeffrey Cooper and Jacob Cooper; and his great-grandchildren, Brian Fipps, Collin Fipps, Eva Fipps, Kelly Runge, Bailey Runge, Lukas Sirtoli, Levi Proukou, Evan Sirtoli, Keegan Sirtoli and Maeve Urban.
Leonard was born July 21, 1932, to Alice (Kingsley) and Leonard Cooper Sr.
He attended primary and secondary school in North Syracuse and Central Square, graduating from Sandy Creek High School in 1949.
He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from SUNY Oswego in 1953 and his Master’s Degree from SUNY Oswego in 1958.
Leonard proudly served in the United States Army prior to marrying his wife, Carol, in 1955.
He was also a member of the VFW Post 5540, Phoenix, since 1957.
Leonard worked as a teacher in Brownville Schools and in Baldwinsville Central Schools.
He was quickly promoted to school administration in Baldwinsville and served in that district for 39 years.
Leonard helped develop Baldwinsville’s first intramural and adult
education programs, notably, he was the first director of personnel at Baldwinsville Schools.
After his retirement in 1989, Leonard continued his dedication to the education system by acting as a NYS hearing officer for disadvantaged students, assisting in their placement for academic success.
In the years following, he held numerous state office titles within the
school administrators association.
Additionally, an active member of the First Congregational, UCC in Phoenix, Leonard served as chairman and member on the board of trustees and was integrally involved with Sunday School operations.
As a lifelong sports enthusiast and avid golfer, Leonard acted as president and founder of the board of directors of the Beaver Meadows Golf & Recreation Association.
Furthermore, for 27 years, Leonard was a passionate high school and collegiate level soccer referee.
He enjoyed most watching his children and grandchildren participate in their various activities, both during and after school age years.
He took pride in achievements of those he loved and relished celebrating their successes.
A celebration of Leonard’s life will be held at the First Congregational, United Church of Christ, 43 Bridge St., Phoenix, on Monday, February 13.
The family will receive friends and loved ones from 1 to 3 p.m.
The memorial service will follow at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Congregational, UCC, General Operating Fund, in memory of Leonard Cooper.
Arrangements in care of: Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home, 431 Main St., Phoenix, NY 13135.
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