John E. Cooper

FRENCHTOWN — John E. “Jack” Cooper, 75, of Frenchtown,a retired sergeant with the Lambertville Police Department, died on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at the Valley View Care Center in Frenchtown, NJ.

Born in Lambertville, Sergeant Cooper lived in the city until retiring to Winter Haven, Florida in 2000. He returned to Hunterdon County in August. He joined the Lambertville Police Department in 1966 where he attained the rank of sergeant. He retired in 2000 after 34 years of service to the city. Sergeant Cooper was a mentor to the younger officers in the department. His service and dedication were recognized with awards from the department and the mayor’s office. He played trumpet with the Lambertville Drum and Bugle Corps, loved riding his Honda motorcycle and spending time on his computer. A World War II history buff, he collected antique German beer steins. He was the beloved husband of Mary Jane Bennett Cooper. He is also survived by his children; John Cooper; of Trenton, Kelly Cooper; of Seattle, Washington, Curtis Coleman; of Lambertville and Michael Bennett; of St. Petersburg, Florida; several grandchildren; his brothers; Jerry Cooper; of Mt. Laurel, NJ, Michael Hendricks; and William Hendricks, both of Sarasota, Florida; and several nieces and nephews including Debra Keim; of Jerome, PA. He was predeceased by his parents John and Jean Welsh Cooper and his uncle Phil Welsh. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday (Oct. 2) at 11 a.m. at the Van HornMcDonough Funeral Home, 21 York Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530.

Calling hours at the funeral home on Monday (Oct. 1) from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the start of services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hunterdon County Police Benevolent Association, PO Box 5195, Clinton, NJ 08809.