Ronald Stephen Cooper

Ron was born on December 19, 1947, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Gillon Brown Cooper and Marjorie Dell Lovelady. Ronnie, Steve, Ron, Commander, Dad, and Grandpa were all among his favorite names to be called throughout his life.

Ron grew up in Phoenix and enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandparents and cousins. He especially loved spending time with his doting Grammy. Ron excelled in both sports and academics and went on to attend Arizona State University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science in 1972.

Ron enlisted in the United States Navy in 1966. His experience as an enlisted sailor helped shape the officer and leader he would become. He was commissioned as a Naval Officer in 1973 and proudly served his country for 27 years, retiring in 1993 as a Commander. During his distinguished Naval career, Ron earned numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star.

While the majority of Ron's Naval career was spent in San Diego, his service took him to Maryland, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A ship was his second home, and he was happiest in and around the water. His Naval career allowed him to travel the world, experiencing new places and helping him to have a better understanding of our world.

Ron continued his work with the military as a civilian with Northrop Grumman following his Naval retirement. His work allowed him to continue his connection to the Navy and provided even more opportunities for travel and adventure. Flying from San Diego to Washington D.C. also allowed him to accumulate as many frequent flyer miles as possible that he could use for his many adventures.

Ron became a father to Summer in 1972 and Amber in 1976. He was a wonderful Dad, and even when away on deployments, he continued to share his love for his girls from afar. Ron regularly recorded himself reading stories to his daughters, so that he was still a part of their daily lives. The letters and detailed illustrations he sent helped bring the adventures of the sea to life, and created a connection with his girls.

Ron married his devoted wife, Margot, in March 1994, shortly after retiring from the United States Navy. Together, Ron and Margot shared a love of travel and adventure. Ron loved visiting places around the world, from the Grand Cayman Islands to Cambria

to Venice. He especially loved cruising on the high seas, where he enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. Even after retiring from the Navy, his love of the sea never left him. From underwater photography while diving in oceans both near and far, to watching his favorite sports teams on t.v., Ron enjoyed life to the fullest.

Ron especially loved spending time with his wonderful grandchildren, Mariah, Natalie, Austin and Tyler. From watching movies and sharing ice cream to visiting the zoo, his grandchildren brought him immense happiness. He cherished the time he spent with them and the memories they created together.

Ron is survived by his dedicated wife, Margot Cooper; his daughters, Summer Roberson (Mitch) and Amber Badalian (Armen); his grandchildren, Mariah Williams (James), Natalie Bayliff (Ethan), Austin Roberson and Tyler Roberson; his great-grandchildren, Jack Williams, Lillie Williams, Henry Bayliff and Levi Bayliff; his brother, Gillon Cooper Jr.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie and Gillon Cooper.

Ron will be remembered as a devoted husband, an amazing Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, as well as a respected Naval officer, and a man who loved the water, travel, adventure and the people he met along the way.

Services are planned for Friday October 30th, 2026 at 12:30 p.m., at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, California.