Lewis Cooper

Cobleskill- Lewis Jay Cooper, 82, formerly of Cobleskill and Richmondville, died Thursday, January 6, 2011 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany.

Born December 2, 1928 in Cobleskill, he was the son of Charles and May (Crewell) Cooper. Lewis was a lifelong area resident, living in Richmondville from 1955 to 1970 and then in Cobleskill until moving to Rotterdam in 2007.

He retired from New York State Department of Transportation in Cobleskill, where he worked for close to thirty years.

Lewis was a United States Army veteran, serving for eight years and received an honorable discharge. He was decorated with a Korean Service Medal, three Bronze Stars, a National Defense Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. Following his tour, he became a member of the Cobleskill and Richmondville American Legion Posts, and was a life member of the Cobleskill Veterans of Foreign War Post #5088.

Lewis was a member of the Richmondville United Methodist Church, a former member of the Richmondville Volunteer Fire Department and the Cobleskill Golf and Country Club.

Survivors include his wife, Lieselotte (Albrecht) Cooper, whom he married February 11, 1955; two sons: Gary Lewis Cooper and Jay Cooper, both of Schenectady; his grandson: Matthew Cooper of Latham; and his siblings: Virginia Vakoutis, Karlton Cooper, Bonnie French, and Gloria McTaggart.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to the hospice organization of your choice or to the Richmondville United Methodist Church, Main St., Richmondville, NY 12149.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill and Palmer & Shaylor Funeral Home,134 River Street, Middleburgh.

Exclusive providers of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.