Stephen Cooper

Cooper, Stephen E.

Nassau – Our hearts are broken as we announce the death of Stephen E. Cooper of Nassau, NY and Huletts Landing, NY on August 6, 2018, at the age of 72, due to the effects of a genetic disorder known as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Stephen was the son of the late Earle N. and Elizabeth R. Cooper. During his formative years he attended Grace United Methodist church Sunday school where he met the love of his life and his future wife, Nancy Sanford, daughter of the late Ralph and Marion Sanford. This past January, Steve and Nancy celebrated 50 devoted years of marriage. Steve graduated from Columbia High School, East Greenbush, NY class of 1964. Following high school, he attended Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, graduating in 1968. During his college summers, Steve served as an Appalachian Volunteer spending time in the hollers of Kentucky where he made improvements to one room schools. He served 3 years in the U.S. Army as a Special Intelligence Agent during the Vietnam War. Following active duty, Steve continued his education at Albany Law School where he met his lifelong friend, John, and his fishing buddies, Pete and Pete. Upon graduation from Law School, Steve joined the family law firm of Cooper & Cooper in Albany. He moved the firm to the Village of Nassau in 1985. Steve was very proud when Cooper & Cooper celebrated 100 years in practice in 2014. The firm was created in 1914 by his Grandfather, Ralph Cooper, and continued by his father, Earle Cooper. Steve served as Nassau Town Justice for 38 years retiring in 2017. During that time, he performed over 200 weddings. He was a member of the Rensselaer County Bar Association, he volunteered as a 4-H Leader managing a rabbit club for 15 years and spent 20 years teaching Sunday school at his beloved Grace United Methodist Church. Steve was a man of many talents and interests including reading, antique cars, wooden boats and antique outboard motors. He enjoyed teaching and working with his sons-in-law and grandchildren on home improvement and wood working projects. The family camp on Lake George was a favorite destination to share with friends and family, a place where he could teach his grandchildren how to catch a “big” fish. In addition to his wife, Steve is survived by two wonderful daughters, Cindy (Scott) Johnson of Brunswick & Leann (Michael) Breer of Schodack; four cherished grandchildren, Eliza and Will Johnson, Adam and Ryan Breer; sisters Connie and Wendy Cooper; niece Catie Carolan; his wife’s brother Larry Sanford and his wife Florence; and his wife’s brother, Randie Sanford and his wife, Carolyn, nephews, Eric and Daniel Sanford; as well as numerous cousins and many caring neighbors and friends. He is also survived by his tea drinking buddy, Bill. You may visit the family on Saturday, August 18 from 4-7pm at the Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home. A memorial church service is scheduled for Sunday, August 19 at 4pm at Grace United Methodist Church followed by a coffee hour in the church fellowship hall. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 42 Church Street, Nassau, NY 12123.