Bradley G Cooper

New Carlisle - Bradley G. Cooper, 54, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Aperion Summerfield Health Care Center in the company of his wife and parents.

Brad was born on April 20, 1969, in South Bend, IN, to Larry and Reva (Clark) Cooper. On December 11, 1999, he married his best friend, Mary-Beth (Lewis) Cooper, with whom he built a life that he often described as a beautiful movie. This description is especially meaningful to those who remember Brad carrying around one of the first video cameras available in the 1980's, documenting daily life and making his own soundtrack and videos. If only video cameras were there that day at Olive Elementary when a young Brad belted out a rendition of Turkey in the Straw that blew the audience away, upstaging big brother Kyle who had stage fright.

Brad is survived by his wife, parents, brother Kyle (Elaine), brothers-in-law Bill Lewis (Lee), Mark Lewis (Madeline), Chuck Lewis (Sharon), Jay Lewis (Greta), and sister-in-law Cathy Melbert (Mike), and many nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, dedicated caregivers, and lifelong friends.

Brad often reminisced about what he described as an idyllic childhood growing up in New Carlisle, first in town and later on Timothy Road in a home that was often filled with friends and laughter, which he credited to the loving atmosphere created by his parents. Some of his many cherished childhood memories were of visiting what he thought of as the "big cities" of Dayton and Pittsburgh to visit his beloved cousins. Hudson Lake was the scene of much of Brad's childhood, and he fondly remembered early mornings fishing with Grandpa Clark.

Brad graduated from New Prairie High School in 1987 and then attended Indiana University-South Bend and Indiana University-Bloomington. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed technology, reading, World War II history, and watching the Bears with his dad on a Sunday afternoon. Brad was happiest when he was creating - writing, drawing, and especially playing music. Also giving him much joy were his rescue pups, Maggie and Zuzu.

Above all else, music was the thread that ran through Brad's life, and he found a soulmate in his love for music when he met Mary-Beth. She accepted and encouraged him, whether he was buying albums, seeing live music, or creating his own. Brad appreciated every genre of music, as well as performed in musicals in high school and played the saxophone, guitar, bass, and keyboard. He often showed his love to family and friends through a mix tape or by sharing just the right song or lyrics for the moment. We have all been introduced to a song, video, or band thanks to Brad. On his birthday, April 20, we ask everyone to play a song that reminds you of him and raise a toast to honor his memory and love for music.

Brad will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the laughter he brought into the world. He was an eternal optimist who will be remembered for his courage and positivity in the face of the progressive Huntington's Disease that claimed his life. The family would like to share their gratitude to the many caregivers, especially Mallory Bryant, that helped him stay positive and supported both him and his family through this time. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In honoring Brad's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate Brad's life on Sunday, June 9th from 4:00pm-6:00pm est at The Chef's Table, 713 W. Michigan St, New Carlisle, IN 46552.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The Bev Hartig Huntington Disease Foundation Inc., PO Box 7228, Fishers, IN 46038 or the New Prairie High School Theater Department, 5327 N Cougar Rd, New Carlisle, IN 46552, or donor's choice.