Arthur John Koop

Arthur John Koop, 63, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 4th, 2025, from complications from interstitial lung disease. He was born on September 5th, 1962, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Elsie Elizabeth Koop and John Clement Koop.

Arthur was the ninth of ten children and a twin to his brother Paul, he grew up in a lively, close-knit household shaped by love, humor, and resilience. His early childhood took him from Raleigh to Ottawa, Canada for five years between 1966-1971, where he attended Corpus Christi Elementary School before returning home to Raleigh and continuing his education at Fred Olds Elementary, the Washington Center, Daniels Middle School, Martin Middle School, and finally Broughton High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1981. During his school years, he discovered a deep love for music; he played trumpet in the marching band and French horn in the symphonic band. During his youth he also worked a paper route delivering The Raleigh Times, a job he took great pride in and often mentioned. He continued his education at North Carolina State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1985.

Arthur’s energy could fill any room he entered. He lived with a lightness, a silliness, a uniqueness so unmistakable that anyone who met him remembered him. Some called him kooky, some called him funny, but everyone knew him as someone who made people feel at ease, included, and welcome. He had an unforgettable presence that was warm, lively, and authentically himself in every way.

Arthur spent 33 years teaching Industrial Arts at Ligon Middle School, where he taught small engines, electronics, black-and-white photography, and woodworking. Generations of students remember him not only for what he taught, but for how he made learning feel fun, creative, and safe. His classroom was a place where kids could just be themselves.

His roots were strong in Raleigh, the city he loved. Cup A Joe was practically his second home, a place where he talked to friends and connected with anyone who crossed his path. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them better than he found them. He also loved movies, during the era of Blockbuster, he proudly used his movie pass, sharing film after film with his family and anyone else who wanted to join. He made even simple outings feel special.

He had a deep love for photography, something anyone who knew him could attest to. He always had a camera with him. No moment was too ordinary or too small. He wanted to capture everything: the people he loved, the places he cared about, the tiny details of life most people would overlook. Taking pictures and preserving memories mattered to him. He understood the beauty of a moment together, and he never let one slip by without trying to hold onto it. As an adult he continued his love for music and he was part of the concert scene, going to dive bars and venues all over the triangle area to watch shows. He played guitar in a band called Blue Nation, later renamed Arthur & Lejeune, and continued practicing and performing even after losing their drummer and friend Robert.

Arthur also had a rare gift: he could turn any difficult moment into something lighter. If a car broke down, if plans fell apart, if life threw something unexpected and frustrating your way, he had a way of flipping the mood upside down. He could always find the bright side. For his family, he was a source of steadiness, someone you could look to in moments of uncertainty and instantly feel safer and calmer.

Above all else, Arthur was an extraordinary father and friend. He was endlessly generous, the kind of man who never said no when someone needed help. He gave rides, gave time, gave money, gave support. If someone needed the shirt off his back, he’d offer it without hesitation. He lived with an open hand and an open heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents, who passed in 2009, his brother Wilfred who passed in 2013 and by his brother and sister, John and Mary, who died as infants in Burma.

He is survived by his wife, Celestine Randolph Koop; his daughters, Angela Koop and Lauren Koop Daughtrey and her husband Craig Daughtrey; his stepdaughters Urlkia Randolph and Youndia Randolph; and his grandchildren Morgan Randolph, Zion Randolph, Riley Dobbin, Sophia Daughtrey, and Jude Daughtrey. He is also survived by many cherished bonus children who held a special place in his heart, including Chris St. Hilaire, Brianna Dobbin, Isiah Chavis, Hadassah Jones and Juston Alford.

He is also survived by his beloved brothers and sisters and their spouses: Rachel Joseph and Larry, Dick Greer, Elizabeth Parker and Quentin, Helen Vozzo and Steven, Thomas Koop, Beverly Koop, Paul Koop and Debbie, and George Koop and Mary; as well as in-laws Joette Randolph, Ceasar Randolph and Renee, and Alex Randolph. He is survived as well by many loving relatives in Australia and Burma.

Arthur was also the uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews: Jennifer Greer, Keith Skretch, Theo, Maria Vozzo, Joey Crosswell, Zada, Eric Vozzo, Caroline Cassling, Leon and newborn baby, Katy Koop, Patrick Greer, Nicholas Parker, Sarah Koop, Walter John Vozzo, Michelle Koop, William Koop, and James John Koop.

Arthur touched countless people simply by being himself. His humor, his kindness, his music, his photographs, his teaching, and his fierce love for others will live on in every life he brightened.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported Arthur throughout his battle with lung disease. So many family members, close friends, and loved ones stepped in at different times to help, care, and encourage him. Your kindness, presence, and support meant more than words can express.

Arthur’s sisters and brothers would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the WakeMed Raleigh Campus for the excellent care they provided during his frequent hospital stays and visits during the past three years.

A visitation was held Sunday evening, December 7th, from 4 pm-6 pm, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.

A service to honor and celebrate Mr. Koop's life was held Monday, December 8, 2025, at 11 am, in the Wynne Center/Chapel at Brown-Wynne. Interment followed in Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Parish Outreach Food Pantry:

https://www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/programs/catholic-parish-outreach-food-pantry/