Frank Perrin Cooper, Jr. age 87, died on June 21, 2021, at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, FL following a lengthy illness. Frank was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on December 16, 1933, to the late Gladys Duderstadt and Frank P. Cooper, Sr. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Kathleen Roselynd Howard Cooper on October 19, 2012.
Left to cherish his memory are his three children: Linda Cooper Gray (Thomas Tuite) of Hernando, FL; David (Karen) Cooper, Sr. of Snellville, GA; and Robert Cooper of Inverness, FL. He will also be dearly missed by his brother, John “Jack” (Shannah) of Gloucester, VA; his five grandchildren who felt their grandfather was one of the kindest, most generous and funniest grandpas of all time: David (Nicole) Cooper Jr; Jillian Gray (Cameron) Smith; Jonathan (Heather) Cooper, Matthew Cooper, Peter Michael (Briana) Gray and two great grandchildren: Collins Kathleen Cooper and Ellie Rose Gray.
Frank grew up in Cranford, New Jersey spending summers at the Jersey shore. He graduated from Cranford High School and then from Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, WV with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He played baseball at both institutions with dreams of making it to the majors. In addition to baseball, he was President of the Intra-Fraternity Council and Chapter President of Tau Kappa Epsilon while at Davis & Elkins.
Upon college graduation, Frank married his high school sweetheart, Kathy, on July 23, 1955 and soon moved to Youngstown, OH to begin his 30+ year career with Republic Steel and to start a family. He began his career in accounting with stints in other areas before retiring as the Director of Administration, Manufacturing Division. Frank also had his own tax preparation/bookkeeping business for over 30 years.
While living in Youngstown, Frank and Kathy were very involved in their community. Frank was instrumental in the growth of the Wedgewood Park Baseball Association, where he helped to build both the field and program from the ground up. Friends of his children all loved him as he was a light in their childhood and has remained so to this day.
His love for the game of baseball continued when Frank and Kathy moved to Inverness, FL in 1994 and he quickly became a devoted fan of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Frank jumped into Florida life right away by playing golf and enjoying social activities at Inverness Golf and Country Club. The mild Inverness weather vs. Ohio winters found him enjoying wearing his shorts in December, often saying “The Chamber of Commerce pays me to wear shorts in the winter.”
Throughout the years, Frank has enjoyed family beach trips, cruising and traveling with his good friends, fishing, golfing, boating, reading, and keeping abreast of the daily news. He attended the sporting and school events of his children and grandchildren with enthusiasm and great support.
Frank will be remembered for his great sense of humor and quick wit. Frank could set up a joke and wait months before you knew you had been had. Recognized as a conservative, sincere and thoughtful thinker, he was very generous and appreciative. “Fun loving” with a tremendous smile, he gave BIG hugs to his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Frank is scheduled for Saturday, July 10th at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness, FL. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until the service begins at 11:00 AM. Pastor Paul Giglio will officiate along with close family and friends. Burial will follow later at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
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