Leo L. Cooper

Leo L.Cooper, 88, of Elbridge passed away on August 20, 2020 at Auburn Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, with his loving family at his side, after a brave, year-long struggle with cancer. Leo was born in Elbridge, N.Y. where he lived all of his life. He was a 1948 graduate of Elbridge High School, and attended Cornell University. He was a dairy, and beef farmer and a salesman for the Fuller Brush Co.  and State Chemical Mgf.  of Cleveland, Ohio. He also worked for P.E.A.C.E. Inc. Leo spent his life helping others, especially youth and senior citizens. He was a coach ( the Tiger’s), a Scout Leader, and founded a Youth Horseback Riding Club. Leo served on many boards throughout his life. He was a lifelong member of the Elbridge Community Church, serving in many capacities as the Church of Board of Directors, Treasurer of Alice Kemlar Memorial Fund, Chairman of Repair Committee, member of the Diaconate and J-E Area Church Board.  He helped cook many meals for Christmas dinners and Easter Breakfasts.

He served on the Town of Elbridge Environmental Committee for 25 years, Town of Elbridge Recreation Committee for 7 years. Leo also volunteered for the Town of Elbridge Transport (JET) for 5 years. He was a member of the Town of Elbridge Republican Committee serving as its chairman for 18 years.  He was a member of the Nine Mile Republican Committee for many years.  He was past President of Elbridge Community Council and Elbridge Gerry Day’s Committee. Past president of J-E Athletic Boosters, J-E Teen Center, and served on the J-E School Parent Advisory Board.

Leo was the recipient of the PTA Life Membership Award. Leo was a member of the J-E Lion’s Club for 45 years, and was honored Lion of the Year in 1987. Leo has been a member of the Jordan Masonic Lodge #386 since 1974, serving as secretary and cooking many meals for special gatherings. He was a member of the Elbridge Grange. Leo has been president of the Elbridge Rural Cemetery.  He was a member of the Greater Elbridge Chamber of Commerce for many years serving  as Vice-President in 1990 and received their Community Service Award in 1995 as well as the Life Membership Award. Leo was President of Had’s Inn Corporation for 30 years. He was a member of the Eno Point Camper’s Assoc. for 10 years. Leo was a member and past president of the J-E Senior Citizen Club for 13 years. He loved raising beef cattle, hunting, and cooking along with spending time with his family and friends on his farm and at the family camp on Cross Lake.

Leo is predeceased by his parents; Lester A. Cooper and Anna L. Chapman-Cooper, and his sister Virginia Foster. Surviving are his devoted wife, of 60 years, the former Eleanor Berry, children, the joy of his life, Jodi (David) May, Kelly (Tim) Baker, and Rusty (Patti) Cooper, and Grand-Children, Sean (Christina) Cooper, Ryan Cooper, Alexis Baker, Libby Baker, Tyler May and Cristina May, and Great-Granddaughter, Audrey Cooper. He also leaves behind his sister, Naomi (Louie) McIntyre, and a brother, Nolan (Marion) Cooper.

Leo’s family would like to thank the staff at Hematology-Oncology Associates at Onondaga Hill, Crouse Hospital Staff, and Auburn Rehab and Nursing Home for their exemplary care.

Relatives and Friends may call Monday, August, 24, 2020 from 4 to 7 P.M.  at the Elbridge Community Church with a Masonic Service following at 7 P.M.  A funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, at the church followed by burial at Elbridge Rural Cemetery.    

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Elbridge Community Church Memorial Fund, J-E Senior Citizen Club, or the J-E Food Pantry.

Leo was a loving, giving, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be truly missed by all. Masks and social distancing will be observed.

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