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Gerald Cooper Obituary
Gerald J. "Jerry"
Gerald J. "Jerry" Cooper, age 80 of Toledo Ohio, the former owner of Sam's Drugs and Orchard Drugs, both local landmark pharmacies, died April 18, 2013, in his home. Jerry was the son of Harry and Manya Hopescand Cooper of Cleveland Ohio and youngest of three boys. He attended Parkwood Elementary, Patrick Henry Jr. High and was a graduate of Glenville High School and was life long fan of the Cleveland Indians, a passion that began when he was a boy while working at the Indians Stadium. Accomplished at both the YoYo and marbles, he also played Little League baseball and later in Toledo played in the B'nai Brith League as a third baseman. His pursuit of a career in Pharmacy led him to the University of Toledo where he made many life long friends including the former Ellen Topper whom he married in 1955. Sam's Drugs on Bennett Road became his first store with his partner Sam Schwartz, later opening a second store on Douglas and Alexis. Orchard Drugs on Talmadge was purchased when his son Bobby joined him as a pharmacist. Jerry mentored his young employees, many of whom would return to visit and express their thanks and what Jerry meant to them, he retired in 2002. He was a past President of the Toledo Academy of Pharmacy and representative to the Ohio Board of Pharmacy and was a member of the AE Pi Fraternity.
Preceding him in death was his wife of 30 years, Ellen; his son, Dr. Robert Cooper; his parents; brothers, Daniel and William; sister-in-law, Muriel and nephew Scott. Surviving is his second wife, Gail; children Dr. Michael (Wendy) Cooper, Marla H. (Mark) Holtzman, Sherry Cooper, Dr. Wendy Wexler-Kale, Alan (Erin) Wexler, Michelle (Gebre) Wexler-Gessesse, and son-in-law, Jeff Kale; sister-in-law, Muriel Cooper; grandchildren, Jason Cooper, Nikki Cooper, Oliver Cooper, Alex Cooper, Abby Cooper, Sean Cooper, Kyle Cooper, Ellen Holtzman, Beth Holtzman, Alexandria Steele, Brin Wexler, Drew Wexler, Jack Wexler, Sammy Kale, Charley Kale, Anya Gessesse and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Sunday, April 21, 2013, in The Temple Congregation Shomer Emunim at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment in Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Receiving will begin and shivah observed in the home of Gail Cooper beginning Sunday evening and continuing through Tuesday evening.
Memorial tributes suggested in the form of contributions to Baskets of Care, P.O. Box 351868, Toledo, Ohio 43635-1868, The Temple Congregation Shomer Emunim, The Bob Cooper Foundation of Cincinnati Ohio, Hospice of Northwest Ohio or a charity of the donors choice.
Arrangements by Robert H. Wick / Wisniewski Funeral Home, 419-535-5840.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Cooper
Lori CL
April 15, 2020
I hope you're resting in peace, Uncle Jerry, you have Leslie and my Mom now, please take care of them. Thinking of you
Bernard Judis
April 24, 2013
Our sincere sympathy to the Cooper family. Jerry was a classmate at the University of Toledo and a friend. Sincerely Barbara and Bernard Judis
Roger & Lillian Peluso
April 22, 2013
Gail & family, We wish we could be there to support,hug you and express our sincere condolences Memories of Jerry keep comming to mind and he makes us smile remembering his very special ways. A Good Man! May his Spirit be with you always.
S Lerer
April 22, 2013
The staff of American Cancer Fund™ at www.AmericanCancerFund.org is sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. We have received a memorial donation in his name and our sincere condolences go out to his family.
Karen Lieberman
April 22, 2013
May family and friends gather together with fond memories of Jerry.
Karen Lieberman, Sylvania OH
Karen Lieberman
April 22, 2013
May all family and friends gather strength and love together with your memories of Jerry.
April 21, 2013
Dear Copper family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked with my Dad, Ron Bednarz,in the pharmacy at the Douglas Rd. store. When Gerry popped in he fondly referred to me as "honey". You are all in my thought and prayers. Sincerely, Peggy Lemley
Tom Herman
April 21, 2013
Gail, I just received word about Jerry and wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We all know what a wonderful person Jerry was and I'm sure you surrounded by your family to help you through this! Please accept my condolences to you and the rest of your family.
Gary Parks
April 21, 2013
Mike and Marla - My condolences on you father's passing. Mom told me she was able to attend the service.
Gary (Podbielniak)
April 21, 2013
Gail,Michael,Marla,
Our hearts ache for you and your famlly.
Jerry's life force is imprinted in all who knew and loved him.
He will always have a presence in our minds and hearts. Barbara&Bud
Patricia Corrigan
April 21, 2013
The Cooper Family has been a part of our lives for 35 + years. We extend our sincere sympathy to each of Jerry's family members. We will remember him fondly, knowing his legacy lives on in each of you. Our thoughts will be with you on Sunday.
Gary and Pat Corrigan
Andi Kurtz
April 20, 2013
Dr. Mike and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you.
Sandi Kniep
April 20, 2013
Marla, Michael & Family, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Although I haven't seen him in many years I remember him as being an outgoing and kind man. I know my dad was was very fond of him. I wish strength for you during your time of grief as well as a lifetime of wonderful memories of your dear dad. John & Sandi Lewis Kniep & Family
LOIS COLDIRON
April 20, 2013
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY. I MET JERRY AT BENNET ROAD,IN THE 60'S AS HE FILLED RX FOR OUR FAMILY FOR YEARS. HIS GREAT SMILE IS ETCHED IN MY MEMORY.
Irwin Friedman
April 20, 2013
Gail, we are so sorry for your loss & I feel I have lost a dear friend & confidant. Wednesday AM breakfasts will never be the same without Jerry & his wit.
Jim and Renee Akers
April 20, 2013
Our sincere condolences to the whole family during this sad time.
Pat Ricard
April 20, 2013
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Gail and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Brent Rubin
April 20, 2013
Our condolences to the Cooper family. My childhood memories go back at least 50 years with Jerry. He was wonderful man and one of the most upbeat people I ever met. I will miss ya buddy. May G-d give you strenth during this time of sorrow. Brent and Ricki Rubin and Family
April 20, 2013
Dear Gail and Michael and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. He was a warm, friendly, kind gentleman. He always had a smile and a kind word.
He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Jan Katz
Toledo, Ohio
homer pierce
April 20, 2013
Our sincere condolences at the death of Gerald. He is at peace now with no more suffering. May God bless your entire family at this time.
homer pierce
April 20, 2013
Our sincere condolences to the entire family at this time of grief. May your memories of Gerald remain in your hearts forever. God bless.
Lynnell
April 19, 2013
Jerry was a kind man. I worked with him at Rite Aid and just saw him a few weeks ago. He gave me a hug after we spoke, I'm so glad I got to see him that day.
ed brody
April 19, 2013
coop was one of the best.may god rest his soul.my prayers are with his family.
ed brody,yardley,pa.
Veronica Seimet
April 19, 2013
To the Cooper Family, Jerry was a wonderful, funny, loving man. He was so proud of his family and loved one's and always made me laugh when i saw him and Gail. I will always hold a smile in my heart for him. You have my deepest sympathies for your loss.
April 19, 2013
Dear Gail & Family,
I am so saddened with the death of Jerry. He was so much fun to be with and such a great guy. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
In Friendship and Love,
June Ide
Lori Cooper Levine
April 19, 2013
Gail, Michael, Marla and all, I'm sorry I can't be with you, but am there in spirit. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of spending time with my Uncle Jerry and all of you, and am SO glad we got to see each other at the end of last year. Am also glad we got to talk the other day, Gail, so that he knew us Coopers out here in CA were thinking of him.
Mark Trankina
April 19, 2013
Dear Dr. Michael Cooper and extended family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere condolences.
Gary BEREN
April 19, 2013
Dear Gail and family. There are no words to tell you how bad we feel at this moment knowing that my conversations with Jerry are over. The hour we spent with both of just 2 weeks ago laughing, crying and remembering our younger days together will never be forgotten. At this time am unable to be with you and all the family but my heart is with all. Sincerely yours, Gary and Nancy BEREN.
R H
April 19, 2013
Dear Family I'm so sorry for the of lost of your love one may the many fond memories bring you peace and comfort, and may the God of all Comfort be with you and give you peace.
Bob Titus
April 19, 2013
He was a great friend to me and my family growing up on Cherrywood. We will miss him.
Shallon & Diana Smith
April 19, 2013
Gail,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Hold tight to memories for comfort and lean on your family and friends for strength.
Bryan Roth
April 19, 2013
Simply the nicest man I've ever met. you will be truly missed Jerry!
howard guggenheim
April 19, 2013
Gail,
Sorry that I can not be with you and your family during this difficult time for all. gerry and I go back over 73 years, attending schools with him and enjoying his warm friendship. I am happy to have spoken with him last week to bid farewell. He will be missed. Howard.
Sue Johnson
April 19, 2013
Gail & family, Please know that everyone will miss Jerry in the Carrietowne neighborhood. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Phyllis Walkin and family
April 19, 2013
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. May you remember all the good times. May HaShem comfort you amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Russ and Joan Howard
April 19, 2013
Gerry was such a gentle and sweet man to know. We will miss his smile and his presence in our lives. Our sympathy to Gail and the entire family.
JoAnn & Fred Okun
April 19, 2013
Gail,
Our thoughts are with you and all the kids. I'm glad we spoke the other day. Wish we could be there to offer our love and support, but we're there in spirit.
Michael Baker
April 19, 2013
Jerry was an amazing individual. He was a very kind and gentle man and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to Gail and the rest of the family.
Bill Kozy
April 19, 2013
Gerry was a customer of my dad and me from the Buckeye Paper and Specialties co. I always admired Gerry. He was delight to do business with. My thoughts and prayers are with Gerry and his family.
Rev. Bill Kozy
Boise, ID
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