Jerome C. Cooper

Jerome C. Cooper, 59, of Oneida, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at SUNY Upstate Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on February 16, 1966, in Syracuse, the son of the late John Cooper and survived by his mother, Clara Mae Cooper. Jerome was a graduate of Corcoran High School in Syracuse, N.Y.

On January 16, 1985, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country. He served in the Gulf War as an artillery repair specialist, until his honorable discharge on September 28, 1991.

He previously worked as a top restaurant manager at Ruby Tuesdays and Uno's Pizzeria Bar and Grill until his illness came to fruition.

Jerome was the kind of volunteer every church hopes for and every community is blessed to have. He gave countless hours to Church on the Rock, serving wherever there was a need, but especially in the kitchen. From the pantry to church dinners, youth group events, and just about every gathering in between, Jerome was there, apron on, cooking for every event with joy and generosity. Feeding people was his way of showing love, and through his dedication and servant's heart, he nourished far more than meals; he strengthened the entire church family. Jerome truly enjoyed making people smile by creating fun at any event, and decorating his home for every holiday, especially Halloween!

Surviving are his daughter, Aszaria Cooper; stepsons, Vito, Damien, and Jevon Ceraulo; the mother of Aszaria, Dava Seifert; his brothers, Charles (and Julie) Cooper, Ronnie (and Michelle) Cooper, and Elvis Cooper; his sister, Cindy Ragonese; and two step-grandchildren, Jolene and Vito Ceraulo; along with many aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 4 PM at the Ironside Family Funeral Homes, Inc., where Pastor Jeff Leahey will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in the spring. Family and friends are invited and may call on February, prior to the service, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at the funeral home, 342 Main St., Oneida. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Clear Path for Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Rd., Chittenango, NY, 13037.