George A. Cooper
George A. Cooper, 86, of Ridley Park, died at his home on October 7, 2018.
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Elwood J. and Martha B. Jerdon Cooper.
George attended Anthony Wayne Elementary School, Audenreid Junior High and was a 1949 graduate of John Bartram High School. He was employed as a Spray Painter for GE for 40 years before retiring in 1990.
George was an avid sports enthusiast and always reminisced of playing football and basketball in his youth. He was a proud member of the 1950 Championship Concordia Football Team. His favorite sport was basketball, playing on the Bartram High School, Prince of Peace and General Electric teams.
George moved to Ridley Park in 1955, where he enjoyed small town life with many lifelong friends and neighbors. He was a huge Philly sports fan and loved taking his children to sporting events at Connie Mack Stadium, Franklin Field and Convention Center.
George was involved with his children in the Ridley Park Boys Club and was an original member of the Ridley Park Swim Club. His favorite pastime was supporting his children and grandchildren at their school and sporting events in Little League through High School. George was a regular at the Ridley Youth and Ridley High School sporting events well after his children graduated. He was also a lifetime Basketball Official, reffing CYO, PIAA and rec league games.
George was a proud “Philly Mummer” for many years. He strutted down Broad Street as a member of the Clevemore Fancy Brigade. George was inducted into the Fancy Brigade Old Timers Hall of Fame in 1995.
He had a strong faith. As a child, George attended Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in South Philadelphia. He attended Christ Episcopal Church in Ridley Park from 1959 until his death. There George was an usher, a member of “A” team and involved in many church functions. Summer worship for 54 years was at St. Simeons by the Sea Episcopal Church in North Wildwood, NJ.
George spent over 50 summers at the family summer home in West Wildwood, NJ. There he enjoyed fishing, crabbing, boating, concerts in North Wildwood and spending time with his family.
George was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Elizabeth C. Henderson Cooper, who died August 4, 2009; and his siblings, Isabelle Cooper Price, Mary Cooper Campion and Elwood J. Cooper, Jr.
He was the devoted father of George E. Cooper (Jackie), Betty Ann Cooper, James E. Cooper (Late Kathy) and Jane E. DiMattia (Jim); and the grandfather of Tyler J., Jacob E. and Nicholas G. DiMattia and James S. and Emily O. Cooper.
Visitation: 6:30-9:30 PM Friday, October 12, 2018 and Saturday from 8:459:45 AM at the White-Luttrell Funeral Home, 311 N. Swarthmore Ave., Ridley Park, PA
Burial Rite and Eucharist: 10:30 AM Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Christ Episcopal Church, 104 Nevin St., Ridley Park, PA
19078
Burial: George Washington Memorial Park
Memorial gifts may be made to the above church
www.whiteluttrell.com