Lawrence Robert Cooper

Paxinos – Lawrence Robert Cooper, 80, has gone on to his reward and can be found directing the heavenly band in performances of Bravura March. He passed away Monday, March 20, 2023, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Lawrence was born in Dubois on July 28, 1942, to the late Wade Maxwell and Virginia West (McClelland) Cooper.

He earned a BS in Music Education from Susquehanna University and a Master of Music in Brass Performance from the University of Michigan. In addition, he completed professional development studies at the Eastman School of Music, Penn State University, and Bloomsburg University. He studied with James Steffy, H. Dennis Smith, Louis Stout, Abe Torchinsky, and George Osburn.

Mr. Cooper was the Shamokin Area High School Band Director for 36 years, taught trombone and euphonium at Bucknell University, taught low brass at Susquehanna University, and was the Band Director at Jersey Shore High School for two years before coming to Shamokin. As a trombonist, he performed with the Pottstown Symphony, Schuylkill Symphony, Susquehanna Valley Chorale, Columbia Brassworks, Commonwealth Brass Quintet, Bloomsburg University Orchestra, and Bucknell University Orchestra.

Since the late 1950’s, Mr. Cooper served in various positions for New England Music Camp, including as a counselor, maintenance crew, faculty member, and board member for the corporation.

In 1968, Mr. Cooper established IVR Recording Service, which was a Sustaining Member of Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) and served across the Northeastern United States. He was the producer, recording, mixing and mastering engineer for IVR.

He attended Clarks Grove United Methodist Church. He dearly loved his family and always considered the Shamokin High School Band students his kids.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Deborah; his son, Wade, and his wife, Janine; his daughter, Laura, and her husband, Benjamin; and five grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Lawrence was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carl and Phyllis (Hockenbroch) Clark.

May his memory be a blessing.

FUNERAL NOTICE

A private funeral ceremony will be held for the immediate family at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Shamokin Area High School Music Department. Arrangements are being cared for by Farrow-C.J. Lucas Funeral and Cremation Service, 240 W Chestnut Street, Lori Ann Campbell, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family please visit www.farrowfh.com