Richard B. Cooper

December 1, 1936 — November 9, 2020

Richard B. Cooper Profile Photo

Richard B. (Dick) Cooper, 83 of Oxford passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, November 9, 2020. Richard was born in Utica, NY to the late Elizabeth and Frederick Cooper. He was raised in the rural town of Rodman, NY where he attended grades 1 - 6 in a two-room school house. After graduating from Adams Center High School, Richard enlisted in the US Air Force where he served in Korea and Japan before coming back to serve at Andrews Air Force Base. With the aid of the GI bill he attended SUNY at Albany, NY and earned his BS in 1962 and in 1966 his MS in Business Administration. Richard dedicated his life to education by first serving as Admission's Counselor at SUNY, followed by an invitation to join the Administration of Housatonic Community College. He moved to CT in 1969 with wife, Doris and their two daughters, Heidi and Kimberly. Richard was selected for inclusion in the directory, "Outstanding Educators of America" for 1973. In 1979 Gov. Ella Grasso appointed him a Member of the Connecticut Advisory Council on Vocational and Career Education and in 1982 Gov. William A. O'Neill re-appointed him to that position. Richard served one year as Interim President of South Central Community College, presently known as Gateway Community College, and as Acting Provost at Tunxis Community College; always returning to HCC. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Visiting Nurses of Bridgeport. Richard enjoyed spending time with his family. He was devoted to his daughters, serving as coach for their softball team, the Devon Devils, taking them to see the New Haven Nighthawks play hockey and visiting the Yale Bowl for a football game. In 1996 Richard became Academic Dean Emeritus with his retirement from HCC. He took advantage of this time to travel with his wife, Doris. He also became a staple in Orange, and later in Oxford, with his daily walks with his Doberman. Richard was predeceased by his parents and four brothers. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Doris, and daughters Heidi Schnabel (Dieter) of Erie, CO and Kimberly Cooper of Orange, CT, grandchildren, Sabine, Alexis and Stefan Schnabel as well as several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. We no longer will hear his wonderful hearty laugh. All services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Richard's name may be made to the Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meeting House Lane, Orange, CT 06477 Cemetery Details Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

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