Steven W. Cooper

Steven W. Cooper was born on September 23, 1950 to Dorothy Sessler Cooper and Thomas A. Cooper. He and his brother Jeffrey enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Hamilton, Massachusetts where they rode bikes, played in the woods, dressed up as soldiers and played ball.

Steve met his wife Linda when he chose her for his square-dancing partner in high school. He was an outstanding football player and state champion wrestler. All of Steve’s friends played musical instruments except for Steve so he became the lead singer of the band! It was at one of their high school dances where Steve’s band was performing that Steve and Linda first started dating. Steve graduated from Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School in 1968.

Steve attended Dean College in Massachusetts and then Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas. He graduated in 1972 with a double major in education, both physical education and history. Steve and Linda were married on November 25, 1972 in Hamilton, Massachusetts.  Once Steve began teaching physical education in New Hampshire, they moved to Londonderry, NH. Several years later, their daughter Lindsey was born and two years after that, their son Nate arrived. Steve was a wonderful father, coaching his children’s teams, teaching the kids how to ride bikes, building forts, attending all of their events and enjoying family time on Cape Cod. He was a very supportive, protective, funny, gentle, loving Dad. After Steve received his Master’s Degree, he switched to teaching history and retired in 2010 after thirty-eight years.

Steve and Linda moved to Wilmington, NC to be close to their children in 2010. Steve has enjoyed playing golf, forming new friendships, following all of his favorite New England sports teams, painting, watching The Andy Griffith Show and being with his children and their families including three beautiful grandchildren.

Steve was genuine, kind, funny, strong, loving and an all-around solid man. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, made us feel safe, and was loyal to his family and friends.

He filled our lives with great hugs, simple joys and lots of love. We are heart broken and will miss our Dad, our Grampy and Husband more than we can express.

Due to COVID-19 19, Steve will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Landfall Kenan Memorial Garden. When conditions improve, we will gather for a celebration of life.

Steve spent many hours playing and coaching children’s sports. The Wilmington YMCA is working with us and will purchase something they are in need of which will have a plaque honoring Steve’s memory.  If you would like to make a donation by mail, payments can be sent to the YMCA of Southeastern NC, PO Box 3467 Wilmington, NC 28406 (please print Steven Cooper in the memo). Or, if you would like to make an on-line donation, the URL is:

 https://funraise.org/give/YMCA-of-Southeastern-North-Carolina/1542d14d-c639-4614-b2de-8f30ad713661/

God bless you Steve/Dad/Grampy/Friend… until we meet again –