Willie Edward “Coop” Cooper, 69, of New Haven, departed this life peacefully on Nov. 1, 2018.
He was born Sept. 16, 1949 in Hemingway, S.C. to the late Gussie and Mareatha (Taylor) Cooper. In 1964, he relocated to New Haven. He graduated from Wilbur Cross High School in 1969 and went on to trade school to become a cook/chef. He was employed with Yale University for 38 years and retired as head chef of what was then known as Calhoun College kitchen.
Willie is survived by his stepmother, Virginia Cooper; sisters, Frances Adams Kelly, Mildred Corey, Etheleen (Saladine) Harris, Annette Cooper, Delcin (Harry) Davis, and Gloria (Richard) Williams; brothers, Ralph Cooper, Larry (Vanessa) Cooper, Sam (Sadie) Cooper, and George Gordon; uncle, Julius “Pete” Cooper; and a host of relatives and friends.
A celebration of his life will take place Thursday at 11 a.m. at Bethel AME Church, 255 Goffe St, New Haven. Friends may visit Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Interment will be private. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven. To leave a message of comfort for the Cooper family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com.
