Henry A. Cooper, Jr., age 82, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, February 8, 2025, in Waco, Texas. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey on September 13, 1942, to Henry A. Cooper, Sr. and Marguerite Ellhos Cooper. While a young boy, his grandmother coined him “Tom” after a nursery rhyme. He was thereafter known to family and friends as both Henry and Tom Cooper.
Henry grew up in Toms River, New Jersey and Yardley, Pennsylvania, spending summers at the Jersey Shore. He loved exploring, fishing, and going to the shore with his four siblings: Marguerite “Peggy” Cohen (Robert); Judith Krueger (Roland); Robert Cooper (Barbara); and Jo Ann Cooper. In high school, he developed a passion for baseball and remained a lifelong fan of the sport.
Henry served in the National Guard and Army Reserves. He was called to service during the civil rights riots of the 1960s. He studied aeronautical engineering at the University of Cincinnati, but ultimately decided to pursue a career alongside his father in the construction industry. Henry built everything from residential homes and buildings to furniture, pet condos, and even seafaring vessels. He was a master craftsman and a man of many talents.
On April 29, 1978, Henry married Valerie Cooper, and the devoted couple relocated to Montgomery, Texas in 1979 to raise their family. Henry was a loving husband and father, whose guidance, keen intellect, and strength enriched the lives of all those around him. He built their home, alongside his wife, framing not only the walls to shelter the family, but also creating a warm foundation for the family to flourish. He taught his children many lessons—from the basics of riding a bike, driving, and cooking, to important life lessons on facing adversity with patience, perseverance, and courage.
Henry led by example. He was autodidactic, teaching himself numerous complex subjects. He was a connoisseur of the arts, an enthusiast of symphonic and operatic music, and an avid consumer of history and current events. You could always find him reading books or newspapers or completing a puzzle. Research was one of Henry’s favorite pastimes, especially with respect to the Civil War and its historic battlegrounds. He neither sat idle nor did he become easily discouraged. Following his example, his children learned to be resilient and chase their dreams with confidence and verve, knowing that support was always available at home.
A true family man, Henry is survived by his children: Ronald K. Vitale (Cindy); Susan E. Dove (Stephen); and Nancy A. Glasson (Matthew); and by his grandchildren: Sophia, Madalyne, Sarah, and Henry. His legacy will also continue with his sisters, Peggy Cohen and Jo Ann Cooper, and numerous nieces and nephews as well as extended family and friends. Henry was predeceased in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Valerie; his brother, Robert Cooper; and his sister, Judith Krueger.
Henry will be forever loved and his memory will always be a blessing.
