Feb. 22, 1929-Oct. 1, 2012
Virgil Cooper, 83, of Sarasota, FL died October 1, 2012. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was a graduate of Roxborough High School in Philadelphia and Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, earning a Master's Degree there in 1956.
Virgil was a church organist and music director in South Bend, IN, Detroit, MI and Lancaster, PA. He then taught music in Lancaster schools from 1964 to 1990.
He was a lifelong lover and teacher of English Handbell ringing. His other passion was the railroad. He spent many weekends and summers at the Strasburg Railroad in PA, both as a guide and working on the cars.
He is survived by his wife, Celia (nee Stokes) Cooper, his former wife, Marilyn (nee Wood) Cooper, three sons, David (Lorraine), Brian (Becca), John (Kim), a daughter, Christine Cooper Grace (Richard) and two grandchildren, Matt and Danielle Cooper.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 11:00am at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, followed by a reception in the church hall.
Donations may be made to the Church of the Palms or the charity of your choice.
