John Cooper Jr.

STURBRIDGE:  John “Tom” Cooper Jr., 72, of Shepherd Road died Monday, September 26, 2016 in his home after an illness.

John is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Sonja (Wetteland) Cooper, a son: John T. “Jack” Cooper III and his companion Michelle Ledoux; two grandchildren: Jennifer Lawrence and her husband Phillip of New York and John Cooper of Marlborough; cousins: Richard Ashton and his wife Patricia of Charelstown, WV and Anne Eddison and her husband Larry of Castelton, New York and Michelle Ledoux’s children: Samantha and Benjamin.

He was predeceased by a son, Kevin Cooper, who died in 1993. 

“Tom” was born on April 19, 1944 in Southbridge, MA, the son of the late John T. and Marion (Lawrence) Cooper and lived in the area all of his life.

He attended Cole Trade High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force and after honorable discharge, he worked for Pratt Whitney then Tasse Fuels and started his own business “Cooper Refrigeration” in 1986.

He was a little league coach, Babe Ruth coach, Vice President of Pop Warner and served on the Town of Sturbridge Recreational Committee. He enjoyed golfing, fishing with his granddaughter and watching his grandson play baseball.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 30 in North Cemetery, Maple Street, Sturbridge.

Calling hours will be held Thursday from 5:00-8:00 P.M. in the Belanger Funeral Home, 51 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA 01550

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.