ROBERT L. COOPER

ROBERT COOPER Obituary

COOPER--Robert L, 80, died at home in Brooklyn, NY, on October 19, 2012. Husband and dearest friend of Alice Pepper Cooper, father of Lisa Philip (Babu) and David Cooper (Sharona); grandfather of Tobias Philip and Eylon, Mia and Talia Cooper, brother of Paul Cooper and Betty Pearle, Robert L. Cooper was Professor of Sociology and Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His book Language Planning and Social Change (Cambridge University Press 1989) has been influencing educators and social and political planners for over two decades. The Chinese edition is scheduled for 2013. On retirement, he traveled around the world, dropped his middle initial and published Around the World With Mark Twain (Arcade 2000). From 2010 until twelve days before death, he anonymously published: anchises-anoldmansjournal. blogspot.com. Services will be at Congregation Beth Elohim 274 Garfield Place, Brooklyn, Tuesday, October 23 11:30am. The family will be receiving at home 4:00 to 9:00pm Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 10:00 to noon Friday and Sunday. Contributions in his memory may be made to Congregation Beth Elohim, National Public Radio and Prospect Park Alliance.

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Published by New York Times on Oct. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT COOPER

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8 Entries

Nomi Kluger-Nash

October 16, 2022

I am so pleased to receive this reminder to light a yahrzeit candle for a dearest friend, known and chatted with in Jerusalem and later New York, a man whose intelligence and quiet wit I will forever cherish. I send my greetings on high to his enduring spirit and right here on earth to his beloved wife, and my friend, Alice.
Shavua Tov!

Graciela Spector Bitan

September 19, 2017

I loved and respected Robert and he will always live in my heart.

Nomi Kluger-Nash

September 18, 2017

And now five years after Bob's death I am so fondly remembering still, and will always, his ability to live strongly and with such grace. Such a dear friend he was and I dare to say "is". I met him and Alice in Jerusalem in 1979, many lives ago in our enduring friendships. I cannot say I miss him for he will forever be present. A most precious soul.

Paul Cooper

October 29, 2012

I loved my brother Bobby, and looked up to him as an example of all things ethical and considerate. A truly compassionate man, he gave you the feeling, while he listened to you, that you were the most important person in his world.

Though mild-mannered on the surface, he was bold and adventurous within, and aspired -- semi-seriously -- to the role of "sportsman and explorer," journeying to places that I, personally, dared only dream about.

While his scholarly contributions were towering, I think that his most powerful legacy is the example he set -- an example of how to live.

May that example inspire us always, and may his memory be for blessing.

October 28, 2012

I grew up with 'Bobby'; he was my older cousin. Because the Coopers lived in Newton, and we in Belmont, the only time we saw each other was at Thanksgiving, always held at his Grant Avenue home, and summer weekends at the home we shared in Ogunquit, Maine. Ever hungry for knowledge, he always had his nose in a book. Bright, friendly, caring and alwysa willing to share reflective moments with others, I knew, when he and Alice moved to Jerasulem, I would miss them both a lot. When they returned I was very happy.Getting together at Gorin Cousins Club dinners was always a special treat. Lately, I read his blog with a great appreciation that we all, sooner or later, a little or a lot, grow into our parents, and we are all lucky, because each of our parents were pretty amazing people. When I returned home to Ohio on Wednesday morning, I fell immediately to sleep after the long ride into the night. On Thursday, I went back to unpacking 'stuff' I had brought with me from Boston in January, and discovered pictures of us all as children, playing on Revere Beach. Too bad I didn't find them a week earlier. I could have shared them with you on Tuesday. I will make sure I bring them next time we get together.
Adieu Bobby Cooper. You live on in our fond memories. You are already sorely missed.

Bobby Katz

October 24, 2012

Dear Paul and Betty,

Bob was one of my childhood friends. Reading his obituary brought back memories of walking down Grant Avenue to the school bus, and much more. At a time when both of us were absolutely NOT part of the "in" crowd, he was a kind, sensitive and caring friend. I saw him only one time after high school -- on a rainy Sunday at Davis Park, Fire Island sometime in the 1960's or 1970's. He was with a woman whom I assume was his wife. I don't remember whether we talked or not, it was so long ago.

I was happy to see that he led a happy and fulfilling life and that he was held in such high esteem. He deserved it.

My brother, Arthur, joins me in extending sympathy to you all. My only regret is that I never knew Bob as an adult.

Sincerely,
(Hermine) Joan Greenfield
[email protected]

Dahlia Bar Nahoum

October 24, 2012

I had the pleasure to know Bob and work with him - he was expressing goodness and hospitality for all around him! May he be blessed forever!

Graciela Spector-Bitan

October 23, 2012

A great man. He was my teacher, mentor, model and friend.
Robert L. Cooper was a sociologist of Language. He taught for twenty years at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He was considered one of the best methodologists of the University, permanently consulted by colleagues and doctoral students from many of the university departments.
Professor Cooper was the editor of the International Journal of the Sociology of Language, and a frequent contributor of this and other Journals. He was an innovator and a great contributor to the research and development of his field.
He was an extraordinary human being. Respectful, caring, always helpful, giving excellent advice and fostering in his students independent thought and autonomy, ready to hear new ideas, even when contradicting his own.
The second chapter of his research was dedicated to History. He chose several topics and made a deep and fruitful research, as was his style of work.
Professor Cooper was a traveller. His curiosity and wide knowledge allowed him to thoroughly enjoy his trips , and it was a great pleasure to listen to his impressions and experiences.
The last chapter of his work was the blog he wrote for several years, about the joys and tribulations of old age.
These posts are a clear example of his personality, his intelligence, his sense of humor, the depth of his reflection and the empathy and love for human beings.
Robert Cooper was an extraordinary human being, and the modesty that characterised him only added to his greatness.
Those who had the privilege of sharing moments will him will never forget him

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