Marshall Robert Cooper

Marshall Robert Cooper

Matamoras, PA

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Marshall Robert Cooper. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on February 7, 2026 at 71 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara and his daughters, Emily, Alexis, and Megan. He is also survived by his brothers, David and Peter Cooper, their wives, Barbara and Kathy Cooper, and his nieces and nephews.

Marshall was born March 20, 1954 in New York, NY to Eva (née Melnick) and Bert Cooper. He grew up in West Haven, CT, a state champion football player who went from band and theater rehearsal straight to practice with his french horn in tow. He attended the University of Hartford, where his passion for opera and singing blossomed. Before graduating, he was offered a position in the Lincoln Center choir. In New York City, he worked as a taxi driver, baker in Grand Central Station, vacuum cleaner repair man, cheese monger at Pasta & Cheese, and singing waiter (to name a few), all while doggedly pursuing a career in the arts. In the 1980s he won a scholarship that allowed him to move to Europe for singing competitions, which led to travelling around the continent auditioning for a position in a city opera house. This brought him to Munich, Germany, where he was offered a position in the Münchner Staats Oper. While there, he met his wife, Barbara. They married in 1989 in Coconut Creek, Florida, in his mother's backyard. That next year, they welcomed their first child, Emily. In 1991, they moved to Hamburg where he performed as Piangi in the German production of The Phantom of the Opera. In 1994, the family welcomed second child, Alexis and they moved into a grand fixer upper in the tiny village of Sankt Margarethen. In 1996, Megan, their third child, was born, completing the family. Marshall spent seven years at The Phantom of the Opera, where he made some of his closest friendships. In 1997, he moved on to Jekkyl & Hyde as Bishop of Basingstroke in Bremen. He hated the role but was proud to be a part of the world premiere. In 2000, the family left Germany and moved to Matamoras, Pennsylvania. This move allowed him to spend more time with his mother and extended family. Marshall continued to pursue a career in the performing arts, commuting weekly into New York City all while building his own business teaching voice lessons. His impact was felt across the valley as he worked with music students from all walks of life. Marshall enjoyed teaching voice well into his retirement.

Marshall loved mowing a lawn, splitting wood for his woodstove, and all types of home improvement projects. His favorite vacations included playing in the waves in the ocean, visiting friends and family across the globe, and quiet nights watching the sunset over Boston Harbor. His big personality and warm, fun demeanor made him the life of any gathering he was a part of. His presence socially and on stage was unmatched.

In recent years, Marshall struggled with his health and was home bound. He loved reconnecting with old friends online and having his daughters home for visits. He was the best fourth contestant on Jeopardy every night. Marshall's strong moral compass, belief in social justice, and commitment to science carried through to the end.

In lieu of a service his family will accept visitors Saturday, February 14th from 2 - 5 P.M. at their home in Matamoras.

A celebration of life will follow this upcoming summer.

In honor of his memory please consider making a donation directly to the ACLU (action.aclu.org).