Richard Cooper
Nov. 19, 1953 - Feb. 5, 2021
San Francisco
Richard Keith Cooper (Rick), age 67, was born November 19, 1953 in Hillsdale, Michigan to Richard Cooper and Phyllis (Kramb) Cooper. He died as a result of an aggressive cancer on February 5, 2021 in San Francisco, California peaceably at home surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his wife Amy, son Andy Cooperfauss, stepdaughter Jenn (Jeremy) Anselmi, stepson Joe Gottlieb, brothers Phil (Carrie) Cooper, Jeff (Kim) Cooper, grandson, Beau, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepson Jon Gottlieb.
Rick grew up in Columbus, Ohio with his mother and younger brothers, whom he adored. He graduated from Columbus West High School and The Ohio State University with a degree in audio engineering, where he played trombone in the marching band and jazz ensemble. He was a devoted Buckeye fan. He went on to work at The Ohio State University as a systems analyst and then co-founded a software company with his first wife, Lynn Fauss, with whom he remained close friends. Rick continued to play music and sing his entire life in musicals, bands, and orchestras around the world.
He then met and married his soulmate, Amy, and loved sharing life with her and raising their family in San Jose, CA. He was an exceptionally dedicated father supporting each of the children's many academic and extracurricular activities. He could be found driving for field trips, working the snack shack for football games, timing for swim meets, cheering for horse shows, and helping with mock trial. His inventive cooking was the cornerstone of family meals around the dinner table each night. He had the pleasure of making music with Amy, singing together with her professionally, and enjoyed dancing and theater. He was an avid runner who loved to hike and "forest bathe" throughout Northern California. Rick had a long and successful career in sales related to audio/visual integrations, earning many awards such as "Top Gun" and the "Circle of Excellence." Ever the academic, he achieved a number of prestigious accomplishments, including CTS-D and LEED AP certifications.
He spent time with his extended family every year at their cottage in Put-in-Bay, OH. He adored being "Poppy" to his grandson who gave him great joy. His love of politics, nature, and philanthropy inspired him to be active in local and federal organizations. His adventurous spirit took him scuba diving with sharks in Tahiti, hang gliding in Mexico, driving up the coast to see the total eclipse, and many experiences around the world.
Rick was a renaissance man who was animated by many things including family, music, fitness, and theater. He was filled with energy and optimism and will be missed by family and friends as he was the life, joy, and an inspiration to all who knew him.
While no funeral service is currently scheduled, a celebration of life ceremony will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in honor of Richard Cooper to:
The University of California, San Francisco supporting prostate cancer research.
makeagift.ucsf.edu/prostatecancerCompassionate Friends
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/donation-page/American Conservatory Theater
https://secure.act-sf.org/donate/contribute1 View the online memorial for Richard Cooper