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Michael Cooper Obituary
Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. in Wednesday (Oct. 20) at the McGuigan Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday (Oct. 22) at the Presbyterian Church of Geneva. The Rev. W. James Gerling will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Geneva High football Boosters.
Mike was born on August 23, 1958, in Beckley, W. Va., the son of Wallace and Gale Bailey Cooper. Mike held a Master's Degree and was a teacher at Geneva high School for many years, where he was a certified history teacher and in charge of the school's structured studied program.
Mike had coached youth football, girls' indoor and outdoor track and girls' basketball. Mikes' passion was football which he had coached for over 28 years. He was a longtime Assistant Coach for the Geneva High Football Program and a huge part of the team and the football family.
Mike was a member of the Geneva Football Boosters and the Masons F&AM Humanity Lodge 406 in Lyons.
Mike is survived by his wife, Susan Wilkes Cooper; his children: Colin (Marli Gringeri), Bryan, Andrew, Alyssa and her children: Quinton and Dominick; parents, Wallace and Gale Cooper of Clyde; brothers and sisters: Wally (Ronette) Cooper of Phelps, Debbie (Ed) Compson of Clyde, William Cooper of Clyde, Belinda (Brian Driscoll) Cooper of Port Gibson and Tina Cooper of Clyde; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Doris Wilkes of Seneca Falls; brother-in-law, David (Lori) Wilkes of Geneva; sister-in-law, Sandy (Mike) Bajdas of Seneca Falls; several nieces and nephews; many extended family; and wonderful friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cooper
james lamonte
November 12, 2010
i was glod to meet him for a coach. he was a great man
Amy Woodin
October 25, 2010
Sue,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike was a wonderful man he will be missed by many. We have fond memories of him and your family. You are missed in the Candor community! Love you all ~ The Woodin's
john arnold
October 23, 2010
i only known coach cooper a short from my step son #68 james lamonte and had a few conversations with him and from the first moment i talked to him i knew he really cared about his players and he was a good man. he will be sadly missed but also was a pleasure to know and his memory will forever in all he knew.
October 22, 2010
To my sister Gale and family. To Susan and family. My deepest sympathy to all of you for the loss of Michael. Had some great times as we were growing up. Can remember pushing Michael around in a baby carriage when I was eight or nine. This was in Palmyra, N.Y. We pretended that we had a Hot Rod car and he would laugh like crazy. Will miss you very much but will see you on the other side. Uncle Bobby (Pfafftown, N.C.)
Mike Iocco
October 22, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cooper family. I had some good times with Mike and Wally while we where at college. I wish you the best in your time of sorrow.
Lisa Juliano
October 21, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tammy Burm
October 21, 2010
To the Cooper Family my deepest condolences. Coop was a great friend through alot of years. We first met when we were young, during the summer I would spend time with my Aunt Jane Heidenreich. We met up again when I was in College in Herkimer & he was visiting "Bart". Then we had some greats time in Rochester while he was going to school. I last saw Coop at a Newark - Geneva basketball game we talked about the old days & about his family that he was so proud of. I sure am going to miss running into him.
You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Tammy Hall
October 21, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to Alyssa and her family. I haven't seen you guys since high school but I want to express my deepest condolences. Im so sorry for your loss. Mr Cooper was a great guy and he will be missed.
Linda Leoni Kluss
October 21, 2010
You could count on Coop to have a kind word, especially when you needed it most. I will treasure my high school memories of him forever. God bless the Cooper family and I know he's smiling down on all of this outpouring of love.
October 20, 2010
To the Cooper family, Mike was a great classmate of '76, and went on to become a great family man, teacher, mentor and example to us all. God bless you. Linda Leoni Kluss (Highland, CA)
mary monroe
October 20, 2010
MIKE WAS A GOOD MAN HE CARED ALOT FORE EVERYONE ESPECIALY FOOTBALL TEAM HE HAS A HEART OF GOLD I WILL MISS HIM ALOT MARY MONROE GENEVA NY 14456 PLEASE KEEP MIKES MEMORIES ALIVE FORE EVER AND EVER
Teresa DeLano
October 20, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go to the Cooper family. He was my cousin and we will all miss him dearly. Teresa DeLano, (Oak Hill, WV)
Stephanie (Brown) Winchester
October 20, 2010
To the Cooper-Long family, I expressed my deepest condolences. I know I haven't been around the family much since high school, but I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Cooper was a great teacher and dedicated dad. He will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Caleb Hayes
October 20, 2010
Cooper was a great man who made a difference in the lives of countless youth on and off the field and in the class room. He was a man who I greatly respected over my years growing up in Geneva and playing football. My condolence goes out to his family for their loss. His memory will live strong in the minds of all he has touched. Ill miss you Coop.
Mary Kay Harley
October 20, 2010
Gale, Wally and family: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Do keep his memories alive as they will be with you forever.
Maria Andrews
October 20, 2010
Mr. Cooper was a great teacher and someone many of the students respected while at Candor School. He was one of my favorite teachers and I am saddened by the loss of such a wonderful and personable man.
My deepest sympathy goes out to family who, along with Mr. Cooper always knew how to make us kids feel like part of the family when they were around. My thoughts are with you guys during this difficult time.
Ross Ricco
October 20, 2010
Coop was a great guy that loved the game of football, but more importantly loved the kids he worked with. He will be missed and I'm glad that I was able to Coach with him when he was at Johnson City High School.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Cooper family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Shirley Morrison Miller
October 20, 2010
Wally I worked with you many years ago at Gannett. I know how proud you were of your family and losing Mike is something no parent should ever experience. I have since learned that my daughter had Mike at Midlakes and was very impressed with his caring and help to the students! May God bless you at this time of sorrow.
Scott Pitcher
October 20, 2010
I met Coop over twenty years ago when my children were very young, and so were we. Even back then, Mike always had a kind word, a bit of humor, inspirational thoughts, and encouragement to my kids. We lost touch for a while and I was so happy when our paths crossed a couple years ago as our sons shared a lacrosse field. I recognized the smile as he came up to say, “hey…don't we know eachother?� and we shared a hug and talked until they kicked us out of the stadium. Our son was injured and was not able to play that day but he still commented that he “had heard good things about how he plays in the goal�. Hawk didn't realize that Mike had not heard about him at all but was lifting up a young man that was depressed about his situation. That is what Coope did in life and what he will continue to do. I am sure that he is up there now trying to organize a pick-up game or explaining to St. Peter that “a good scorekeeper always wins� in golf.
God bless Mike Cooper and his family. He will be missed and held in my heart always.
Richard Kelly
October 20, 2010
My condolences to the Cooper family. Was a pleasure to have Mike as a staff member and coach at Candor Centrl School.
Was also a pleasure to have Sue, Mike and family as a neighbor in the Candor community.
Mike was a very giving person. Had an impact on the lives of many.
myrathomas
October 19, 2010
our sympathys to the cooper family..mike was an amazing man..he was loved by many in candor...sue and famiky i am so sorry for your loss... myra and gene thomas
October 19, 2010
I grew up with the coopers and have been life long friends with the family. we've had so many good times as kids and into our highschool days that the loss of someone with such a big heart is hard to take. Mike will surely be missed by myself and many others who had the honor of knowing him. My blessing goes out to the family,with this as a reminder as how short our lives really are. Live each day to fullest as Mike did and god bless the rest of the family. Charles McIntyre,LYONS,New York
Doug Buchanan
October 19, 2010
As a fellow graduate of the class of 1976 at Lyons, I hope I speak for all when I say that "Coop" will be terribly missed! His contribution to our young lives, continued as he mentored other young ones as an adult. There's a special place that God has for Mike and an assignment only he can do! Our church sends prayers of understanding and celebration to the family.
Cathi Wallwork
October 19, 2010
Having a Cooper in all directions of the high school has been a delight. In no other teacher's desk have I sat as a substitute that had as many pictures and newspaper clippings about kids and grandkids. AND FOOTBALL! Mike was a father figure to so many and I am honored to sit in his desk until and IF he can be replaced. Coopers, we hope we can be as outreaching to your family as your husband, dad, and grandfather was to the Wallwork family. God bless you all.
Richard Kelly
October 19, 2010
October 19,2010
Sue and Family,
My condolences to your family with the loss of Mike. Was a good neighbor and a good staff member at Candor Central School during my time with the school and community.
Always had time for people regardless of how busy he might be.
Richard F. Kelly
Silver Springs, Fl.
Andy and Judy Jorgensen
October 19, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was always so good with the kids...a gentle giant! You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
DAVE ROGERS FAMILY
October 19, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Michelle Mead-McIntyre
October 19, 2010
I grew up next to the Cooper Clan. I can honestly say there was NEVER a dull moment. I will always cherish those memories as I am sure all of you will. My prayers are with all of you. May you rest in peace, Mike.
Michelle (Mead) McIntyre
Cassie Cortright
October 19, 2010
I know that many in Candor were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He touched so many lives,young and old. To Sue and the kids, stay strong and know that you will see Mike again on "The Other Side."
Sheila Baker
October 19, 2010
Sue and Family...
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a good man, and one of my kids favorite teachers at Candor. You are in my thoughts and prayers. As memories surface they will bring comfort,then smile as he would want that.
October 19, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr Cooper. He was my favorite teacher senior year at Candor. You have all been missed from the community, and Coop will be missed dearly! My regards to the family. May you find strength in this time of deep sorrow and comfort in the loving memories you will forever hold if him.
October 19, 2010
I have lost yet another Big Brother...To all of my Cooper family, my heart breaks for you. Know that healing energy is coming your way. Love and Healing to you all.
Marylou Emmel, Lyons, NY
Roger Fisher
October 19, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
October 19, 2010
May you rest in peace, Mike. Not only were you my co-worker but my friend. I miss you very much.
Helen Terra
October 19, 2010
REST IN PEACE COOP! WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND HOW GOOD OF A MAN YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME TO BE! TILL THIS DAY YOU HAVE BEEN THE BEST TEACHER I EVER HAD! ~ JOEY T.
Scott & Angela Hartman
October 19, 2010
We are so sorry to hear about Coop! I remember all the days of youth football in Candor and it brings a smile to my face thinking of him! We send our heartfealt condolences to all of you during this time.
Jeff & Vonnie Ellis
October 19, 2010
Sue and Family. We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing, since you moved from Candor we lost touch (Gage and Brian were friends) When we heard we just could not believe it but now he is in a better place as hard as it is and I know all the memories you will cherish he was a great guy!
Margaret Hurley
October 19, 2010
I will always remember that the man always had a smile! Mike was a gentle giant that was loved by all that were blessed to know him. The outpouring of love seen on TV, FB and in this guest book speaks volumes as to the man he was. Rest in Peace Coop
Margaret Hurley
Bob Norman
October 18, 2010
My heartflelt condolences to the Cooper family. Have known Mike for many years and he will always be in my thoughts
Susan Hagood
October 18, 2010
Sue...I am so sorry to hear of Mike. Last I knew, you guys had moved to Owego after the Depot closed...please accept my sincere condolences...faith, family, and friends will help during this difficult time...my heart is heavy for your loss...Sue Hagood, Ft. Walton Beach, FL
Noel Kyburg
October 18, 2010
My prayers are with the Cooper Family. He will be sorely missed by all! Rest in peace Coop
October 18, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss its all of our loss, Mike was my very first friend when i moved too lyons in the 70s. He was always there as a friend we have been miles apart but never lost touch. I have been blessed to have call him my friend. David Caplan Houston Texas
Kelly Starkweather
October 18, 2010
I knew Mike from his days in Candor. He always took time to have a chat. My thoughts and prayers are with Sue and the kids.
Patricia Horton
October 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers to the Cooper family, I grew up with the whole family and they knew the meaning of the word family. Mike you will be missed and there is a big hole on this earth now that you are gone. The saying applies to Mike - only the Good die young!
Larry & Nancy Orndorff
October 18, 2010
Sue and family:
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We wish you the best strength and hope during this time of grieving.
Patricia Randall
October 18, 2010
Susie and family my God be with you in your hour of need.Mike has touch so many lifes in his journey of living and your right,he was doing what he loved to do..Please know all of you are in my prayers.
October 18, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a good guy. He knew how tho enjoy the important things in his life, such as family, friends, and all of the student's lives he touched. Remember all the good times, he will be in your hearts and memories forever.
Christine Mierke, Wesley & Thelma Jones.
Debbie Stowell
October 18, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. Coop was such a great guy and he spent many wonderful times during our high school years with my family. The world will be hard pressed to find another like Mike. God Bless all of you.
Tom Marshall
October 18, 2010
My condolences to Mike's family . I grew up with Mike and he was a generous and big hearted guy. I know he'll be missed .
John Goodson
October 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Mike's Family. Michael Cooper was a great man that loved is family and children. God bless you and your family.
Barbara Palmateer
October 18, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Please know our prayers are with your family.
Larry & Barb Palmateer
Patty Ledain
October 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family. From an old high school days friend. Remember the good times.
Timothy Munn
October 18, 2010
Coop as I always called him was a champion of causes. He had a gift when it came to communicating with the troubled kid and he was always willing to spend extra time helping a student or an athlete regardless of their ability. I will miss the physical presence of my coaching colleague but I know his spirit will live on due to the fact he has impacted so many lives in a positive way.Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Cooper family.
Sincerely,
Coach Tim, Nancy and Daniel Munn
October 18, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a high school classmate who will always be remembered as fun, kind, and larger than life. I don't think I ever remember seeing him without a smile. Great laugh. I think we're all a little better for having known him.
God bless you all in the days to come.
Cheryl Tyler Fabino (Stanley, North Carolina)
George & Rose Schuldt
October 18, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Linda Waterman
October 18, 2010
I am so sorry to have just learned of Mike's sudden passing. My prayers are with you, Sue, during this difficult time. Linda Waterman
Ray "Blue" Boyce
October 18, 2010
I was devastated by the news of Coop's passing. My deepest sympathy to his family. He was very proud of you. He loved coaching and teaching. We had some great times in high school and college years and kept in touch via e-mails. He will be greatly missed.
Debbie & David Jansen
October 18, 2010
Our condolences to all the family and friends. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief.
Jansen
jeana elleman
October 18, 2010
I am sorry to hear of your loss of Mike.He was a good man..May your memories of Mike help carry you through your tough time. Jeana Pullen Elleman
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