Obituary of Richard T. Cooper

Richard T. Cooper, 80, of Owego died peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, July 21, 2015. Dick was predeceased by his parents, Hubert and Dorothy Truman Cooper; and his brother, James T. Cooper. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy Russell Cooper; children, David (Tammie) Cooper, Karen (Wayne) Cerinetti, and Laura (Paul) Sage; brothers, Steve (Annette) Cooper, and John (Mary) Cooper; sister-in-law, Donna Cooper. He was blessed with nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren who loved him dearly. Deac graduated from owego free academy in 1953 where he was recently inducted into the Wall of Fame and still holds the basketball record for highest points in a game. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After returning home he attended Harpur College. Upon graduation he began a 29 year career at IBM. After retiring in 1990, he began his own accounting and tax practice until 2013. He was an active community member and for his life long service, the Town of Owego proclaimed April 27th as “Richard Cooper Day”. Known to many as “Deac” he will sadly be missed by many, but we are confident that he is rejoicing in Heaven. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 11:30 AM at the First Presbyterian Union Church, 111 Temple Street, Owego with Rev. Parrish Bridges officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Dick’s name to the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018 or to The First Presbyterian Union Church, 111 Temple St., Owego, NY 13827.