June 06, 2018

Dear Barb and Family,
My condolences to you and your family.  I only learned today of John passing away.  We had not seen each other for about 59 years.   John and I were close friends when we were young boys in Zelienople.  John and I had a good friend named Edward Chontofasky (Skip) who passed away at 15 years old.   John and I at about 13 found a pup in the woods near his house and the dog was on the verge of passing away.   We carried that dog out of the woods and cleaned him up and brought him back to life.  That poor dog only weighed a couple of pounds and it broke our hearts finding him in this condition.   I ended up taking the dog home and he lived for about 17 years and brought much happiness to my Mom and Dad who adopted him when I left home at 17.  I always remembered John when I saw Dutch the family dog.  I moved away from Zelienople as a young boy and all my life I always wondered about John and wanted so much to make contact again.  I searched for John a number of times over the years and just two days ago I saw the year book from Zelienople on the internet which I never had a copy of.  I immediately saw John in his senior year.   Wow, what a surprise and it had his full name John Arthur Cooper, Jr. and I realized that now I stood a good chance of finding John since it had his full name.   My parents ended up in Blandon which is near Lancaster and we visited often and John and I must have passed paths quite a few times in life and never knew it until now.   John was a great friend over the time we knew each other even though we loss contact as young boys, but never forgot him and always wanted to make contact with him again.   I wanted to let his wife and family know this little part of John’s life that might give you a smile in such a difficult period of time.    John as a young boy was a great friend and left an impression on me all my life.  Furthermore, John and I both thought the world of Skip who we loss as a friend at such an early age.  It makes me very sad that John passed away and that we never got a chance to reunite while we were still alive.   God bless you John.   We finally made contact.   We named our son John Edward Becka.  Do you see where his name came from?  
Respectfully,
Rick & Kay Becka (rrbecka@gmail.com)

January 02, 2018

Dear Barb and family:
Having just learned of your loss, my heart goes out to you.  John was an exceptional individual of great intelligence and many talents.  Although we lost contact after our college years, reflection brings memories of a genuine, moral and good man.  He will be missed yet remembered by all those whose lives he touched.  Sincerely, Rob Towsey      

December 17, 2017

Dear Barb , Lisa and family, 
Sending love and prayers to all of you. It is so hard to go through, just take a day at a time. Love, Nancy Herlacher and family 

December 17, 2017

Joe and I are with all of you in heart and spirit today as you celebrate the life of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend! Thinking of you all with much love 

December 14, 2017

We have just learned of your terrible loss.  We want to let you know that you have oue deepest sympathy. Peace to you…Dee/Jack Vulgaris

December 13, 2017

I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember when Lisa and I were in college and I was admiring her desk one day and she mentioned that her dad had made the top shelving. I couldn’t believe it! I had never known anyone who could do anything like that. I thought how lucky she is to have such a great dad. He will be dearly missed. Sending my love and prayers to you all during this time. Love, Jordana

December 13, 2017

Aunt Barb & Lisa,
I’m looking forward to hugging you both in person in a few days!  It just doesn’t seem real to me…I have no words…what a big hole has been left… 
For what it’s worth, I heard someone recently describe the holes that get created when we lose loved ones, as punctures in our world through which we can better see God.  That is my prayer, that God is extra evident to each of us who knew Uncle John, as we are missing him, through these coming days and years.
Love you both,
Stephanie

December 13, 2017

Dear Barb and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.  May John rest in peace and may you remember the laughter.
Skip & Pam Walters

December 13, 2017

Dear Barb,
So sorry to hear of your loss.  
Having temporarily relocated to Ohio, I will not be able attend the service, but know you will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Peace to you,
Peggy Neal

December 13, 2017

Dearest Mrs Cooper, Lisa and Zach, you are a remarkable family and we all will miss Mr John.  What a beautiful legacy and character and a true noble man he has been, we send love and condolences,
Karl and Carolina Gandrud

December 13, 2017

We are so sorry to hear this. Praying for Lisa and her mother during this difficult time. May God comfort you and give you strength. 

December 12, 2017

Our hearts go out to Barb and Family.  While I only knew John a few years, he was certainly one of the finest Men I have ever met.  I will fondly remember our trips to the shooting range in Columbia.  John was incredibly smart and I believe could fix just about anything.  Our dog Koshi also loved to go visit John and get a treat.  You will be dearly missed, my Friend.
Brett Miller