Dr. John H. Cooper Jr.

`Condolences to the family and friends of one of the finest role models a student could ever have. He actually loved doing his work as principal at Roosevelt school,especially when he could perform his magic tricks. How many educators were ever loved by their students? Not many, he was an inspiration to me and so many others. I never heard a bad word spoken about him.
Rest in peace Dr. Cooper, you will never be forgotten.
Roosevelt '55'

In my 3rd or 4th year at Rahway High (1959) John instituted a dress code, requiring a tie for boys. It was very unpopular as I recall. My adolescent response was to find the oldest, widest, flashiest 1930s tie from my dad's closet. I looked like a clown with a crew cut. John called me into the office, and could not help but grin at the spectacle - he was a great sport and popular even with the trouble makers among us. Bruce Dembling class 0f 61

I too remember him as Mr. Cooper, a soft spoken, always polite and confident man. The last time I saw him was in Thousand Oaks, California where Cal. Lutheren Univ. is located. I was helping friends out as a "greeter" in an Italian restaurant. In he walks and asked to pick up his pizza. I asked his name and he said Cooper. I nearly fell over when I realized it was him. We talked for a bit. Several months later in he walks again along with Mr. Khulman. That was one of the memorable...

This remarkable man was perhaps the most instrumental pivot in my life. What I aspired to do, he encouraged me to do. He was truly the wind that propelled me. God bless you and keep you in enternity, Dr. Cooper. Wally Carkhuff

Mr. Cooper was my principal at Roosevelt School and he was a fantastic person. A wonderful magician who kept his students entertained for hours. What a wonderful life!

He was always Mr. Cooper to me as a student at Rahway High and I knew his daughter, Susan. So glad he had such a long and accomplished life. Best wishes to his family as you celebrate your many days together.

Tricia Dower (maiden name Wishart)

Doris & family,
It was only last week that my family and I were enjoying a DVD of the "famous" LOYALS silent movie "In the Dough" written and directed by John. I will always remember him fondly as an extremely talented and devout man and not only as a friend, but my high school principal.
God bless you all -
Georgia Howell Hartnett

A man who brings memories of someone confident, gentle and seemed to know the meaning of life - an inspiration to all of us. My mother worked with him several years ago......and I too remember him with kindness. May God watch over and bless his family and friends. My prayers are with all of you. Lisa W."