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Richard Cooper Obituary
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/prostatecancer
Compassionate Friends https://www.compassionatefriends.org/donation-page/
American Conservatory Theater https://secure.act-sf.org/donate/contribute1
View the online memorial for Richard Cooper
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cooper
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Tony Taylor
May 17, 2022
Tony Taylor
May 17, 2022
Tony Taylor
May 17, 2022
Tony Taylor
May 17, 2022
I just learned he died. I was a boyhood friend with Rick and Phil. His mother was a friend of my parents and was my health teacher in high school.
I remember watching him perform at West as the lead in Music Man. Mr. Low key and kind was the wild Harold.
I lived with him and his band at Ohio State in 1976. We were the same age.
I am really saddened by his death . I know he is s huge loss to you. He was a good friend.
Dave Di Salvo
February 17, 2021
I knew Rick and Amy through Galvin Jackson's San Jose Metro Big Band. Rick played lead trombone and would sing on some songs (such as: Mack the Knife, Girl from Ipanema, and with Amy, Baby it's Cold Outside).
Rick was a marvelous improvisor, great lip vibrato, an excellent upper register. I so enjoyed playing with him and he always inspired me to play a little bit better.
Thank you Rick. Love you buddy. Best of all wishes to Amy and family.
Dave
Alexandra and Dennis Gamban
February 13, 2021
Amy and Rick,
Thank you so much for coming out to play with us! We are so grateful for all the beautiful memories that we made with you both! We thank the Universe for the gift that was Rick’s life totally well lived, and we mourn profoundly for its premature termination. Our love and prayers are with you both, now and forever!
Love,
Dennis & Alexandra
Christine Ferrari
February 11, 2021
Dear Amy and family: I was so, so sorry to hear of Rick's illness and passing. He was such a vibrant, sweet, kind and talented man; it is hard to believe that he is gone. I will remember you all in my prayers for the loss of Rick, and Amy, for the loss of your son Jon. I just learned that you lost him as well in 2014. I will pray for you to be able to stay strong through this terribly difficult time. With much love, Chris Ferrari
Christine Ferrari
February 11, 2021
Dear Amy and family: I was so, so sorry to hear of Rick's illness and passing. He was such a vibrant, sweet, kind and talented man; it is hard to believe that he is gone. I will remember you all in my prayers for the loss of Rick, and Amy, for the loss of your son Jon. I just learned that you lost him as well in 2014. I will pray for you to be able to stay strong through this terribly difficult time. With much love, Chris Ferrari
Nicole Appel
February 11, 2021
I am so sorry to learn this! I loved Rick from the moment I met him. He was a loving friend to all who knew him. A beautiful soul. My sincere condolences to my friend Amy, their children and families. May his memory always be a blessing. Nicole Appel
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