Thomas Cooper

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Thomas Caldwell Cooper, Jr. on March 3, 2026. Thomas was born on April 7, 1940 to Thomas Caldwell Cooper, Sr and Pauline Paige Cooper in Washington, DC. Growing up in Anacostia, Washington, DC, he embraced life with joy and passion. During his time at the German Orphan Home, he discovered his first love—music—a lifelong companion that would fill his days with beauty and inspiration. Tom began playing the trumpet at the young age of eight, learning from trumpet greats in Washington, DC. This passion would become one of his defining traits for years to come.

At 17, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1957 to 1961 across multiple Marine Corps service bands. After his honorable discharge, he moved back to Washington, DC, assisting in the construction of Reagan National Stadium and even trying out for his beloved Redskins.

Tom then worked for Woodward and Lothrop and Mastercraft, where he discovered his passion for fine furniture. He continued to be an avid trumpet player, performing with various brass bands, quintets, jazz bands, and quartets in Montgomery County. Alongside woodworking, Tom loved gardening, creating a small oasis at home.

He will always be remembered for his love, perseverance, and determination; his devotion to family; his infectious laughter; his passion for music; a great glass of wine and cigar; sailing—where he crafted his own boat at his father-in-law's Chesapeake Bay beach house and taught his sons to sail from a young age; and his dedication to woodworking.

Thomas is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Karen; his pride and joys, Matthew and his wife Jessica, and Patrick and his wife Dana; as well as his five cherished grandchildren, Reagan, Noah, Rowan, Allison, and Rory.

As he looks forward to greeting his beloved dog Bonnie in heaven, his family holds dear the reminder that “All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.” — Henry Scott-Holland

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Warrior Canine Connection ( https://warriorcanineconnection.org/ ) in Boyd’s, Maryland. A Celebration of Life will be determined later this year.