Robert J. Cooper's Obituary
Robert J. Cooper, 82, of DeBary, Florida (formerly of West Warwick, Rhode Island), passed away on April 22, 2013. RJ/Pops/Bob was born in Johnson City, Tennessee on February 22, 1931. He was married to Martha Ann (Roma) Cooper for 57 years before she passed on January 18, 2013. RJ is survived by his sister Dianne Clark and brother Ronnie. He was preceded in death by his sister Dacie and brothers John, George, and James. He was the father of Robert J. of Warwick, R.I., Cynthia Ann of Orange City, FL, Cathy Ann (John) Boarman of Honeoye Falls, NY and Cheryl Ann of Lewisville, NC. Pops is also survived by six grandchildren - Michael, Ashley, Keith, Mathew, Jacob, and Eric and three great-grandchildren - John, Jacob, and Briar. He was a parachute rigger in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Chief Petty Officer after 20 years of service in June 1967. After his military career he received an Associates Degree and worked in management in Rhode Island and Florida. He played baseball and volleyball while in the Navy and was a proud member of the First Naval District All Star Volleyball Team. Pops remained a volleyball enthusiast all his life and enjoyed dragging family members to many tournaments throughout the country. He followed the AVP and made many lifelong friends along the way. The family will be receiving friends at Baldauff Funeral Home (baldauff-funeralhome.com) on Saxon Blvd. in Orange City, Florida from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2013 with his memorial service immediately following. Internment will follow with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations on behalf of Pops may be given to the Dig4Kids Foundation (Dig4Kids.org), 1159 Cypress Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.
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