Reverend Donald A. Cooper

I was deeply saddened to learn that Fr. Cooper died on my father's 87th birthday two weeks ago. While growing up in Hasbrouck Heights & attending Corpus Christi grammar school, Fr. Cooper was like a second ‘father' to me. As a little girl I was painfully shy. I was especially nervous when I had to go up to the front of the class to receive my report card. Wearing his long black cassock Fr. Cooper would be sitting at the teacher's large wooden desk with a really big smile on his face. Then he...

Fr Cooper officiated at our marriage in Corpus Christi in 1965, after our graduation from Fordham. He must have done a good job, because we are still married ... and after 48 years, he is very much alive in our wedding memories. We know that from his new vantage point at the Father's table, he will continue to bless our marital relationship.

Fr. Cooper is fondly remembered by so very many of the students at Corpus Christi -- his first parish. He was such a wonderful influence in all our lives. And recent visits confirmed what a wonderful, inspirational man he was. May he rest in peace.

Steve and Marion Tuttle and the extended Ranft and Tuttle families

I have good memories of Fr. Cooper from my time at Corpus Christi in the early 50s, where I learned from him to be an altar boy. My condolences to his survivors.
John J. O'Connor, formerly of Hasbrouck Heights.
[email protected]

We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Father Cooper. We knew him when he served in Bergen County. He was a great priest and a really great human being. We kept in touch when he moved to Toms River and we had a house in Silverton. We'd see him at St Justins and he always had a sense of humor. He served my father's funeral and I will always remember him for this. The mass was at Maximmilia Kolbe and we were given a hard time when I asked for Danny Boy to be sung. He said not to...

Our deepest sympathy to Father Cooper's family.. He was one of the kindest men I have ever known.

I have great memories of the time spent with Father Cooper growing up - In the Spring he would invite me to his 'shore' house he shared with his Mother. He would tell me I could also invite a friend to go with us. After telling him my choice, he would always reply, 'Good, good and I believe that she has a (sister or a couple of brothers) it would only be nice to invite them also." ...

Our deepest sorrow for the loss of Father Don,but we know he is with his God who he served so well. We knew him from St. Justins and one of our memories of him as he was seated in the sacristy looking over all who came past as if on a throne, yet always a kind word and pleasant hello. In my case we would trade ailments and see who could top the other. My wife remembers him at dinner at our house attacking the olives. Fond memories, God bless you Father Don we will miss you.

To the family and friends of Father Cooper-

I am so very sorry for your loss. May God give you the comfort and peace that you need during this most difficult time. I knew Father Cooper when he used to say mass at St. Justin The Martyr in Toms River. He was a warm and friendly person, always with a smile on his face. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. I am grateful to have known him for as long as he served at St. Justin. God Bless You.

Sincerely,

Christine...