Obituary of Ray S. Cooper

Ray Cooper, 90, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, April 18. He was born May 8, 1927 in Fulton to Smith and Dorothy Howell Cooper. Ray served in the US Navy, stationed in Norman Oklahoma and then Sampson Naval Training center on Seneca Lake. Ray was in business with his father at his auto garage in Plainville NY until Smith bought land in Baldwinsville and built what was then Cooper Motor's. They opened Cooper Motor's as a Ford franchised dealer on May 8th (Ray's birthday) 1946. Ray and his father then founded Cooper's Marina in 1958 due to his love for the water and boating. He was an active member of the Boating lndustries Association since 1965, serving as President and then a long standing board member. Ray was also very active with the Eastern States Marine Trades Association.

Ray loved cars, boats, water skiing, and any water related activities. Ray loved all animals, and built countless homes for strays that he found or that his kids brought home, and especially his beloved black lab "Drake" who was his constant companion for the last 4 years.

He is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Betty Cooper, and together they cherished their home on the river.

Many boat trips, annual family vacations to Florida and reminiscing with friends brought him much joy.

Ray is survived by his son, Kevin Cooper of Baldwinsville; daughter Debra (Craig) Fetterolf of Raleigh, NC; granddaughter Taylor Fetterolf; grandsons Adam Cooper, Private Jacob Cooper US Army and 1st Lieutenant Cory Fetterolf US Army.

Calling hours are 4-7 Wednesday, April 25 at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer Street, Baldwinsville. Burial in Riverview Cemetary is private.

ln lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Baldwinsville Ambulance Corps, PO Box 744, Baldwinsville, NY 13027, or your local SPCA.