Jacob C. "Coop" Cooper

Mr. Jacob C. "Coop" Cooper, age 33, formerly of Frankfort, passed away unexpectedly due to heart complications on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at the Oneida City Hospital with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on November 21, 1979, Jacob was the son of Leon "Jake" and Martha (De Carlo) Cooper. Raised and educated in Frankfort, he received his Associates Degree in Business Administration in 2007 from the Utica School of Commerce (USC). He furthered his education, earning an Associates Degree in Nursing in 2011 from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing and became a licensed Registered Nurse. On June 1, 2002 he married the former Kourtney L. Aversa in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. Sweethearts since their teenage years, they shared a union built upon love, respect, and unselfish giving. Jacob and Kourtney were united in providing their family the security of a loving home. At one time, Coop held various positions at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center from 1999-2011, and after graduating from Nursing school he held a position in the Critical Care Unit at Bassett Medical Center. Currently, he worked as a Registered Nurse at Upstate University Medical Center in the Acute Inpatient Rehab Unit. He was a hard worker, a man who would do anything for anyone. He was true to his word and had a way of making everyone around him feel loved and appreciated. He could light up a room and had a knack for telling a story so vividly and colorfully that the room would fill with laughter and joy. Jacob was a steadfast family man who did everything for his wife and children. He was determined and strong in all he did for his loved ones, often willing to listen to his family and friends and offer his gentle guidance. His children were his life, and he was involved in every aspect of their lives and treasured the time he had with them. He would play out in the yard with his boys, their friends, and other children from the neighborhood. His girls were truly the definition of "Daddy's Girls" and they would run into his arms everytime he walked in the door. Because he was an entertainer, everyone wanted to share their time with Coop for a laugh or for a good story. He knew how to connect with people through his loyalty and friendship. His favorite hobby was spending time with his friends, no matter what they were doing. He enjoyed gaming on Xbox Live, playing online with his buddies, competing in softball with the Walmart Team, and tending to his dream home. He took great pride in his home, making sure everything regarding it was meticulous from the inside to the outside. He attended the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Jacob is survived by his wife, Kourtney; his children, Antonio, Jacob, Aianna, and Aviella, all at home; his parents, Leon "Jake" and Martha of Frankfort; mother-in-law, Maria Aversa and her fiance Lawrence "Larry" Loy of Utica; and father-in-law, Alfred Leonetti, Jr. of NC. In addition, he leaves his sisters and brother-in-law, Jessica Cooper, and Divina and William "Bill" Spellman, all of Frankfort; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his in-laws, Kimberly Armstrong and Timothy Caponera of Utica, Sarah Dougherty of CA, and Al Leonetti, III of NC. A testament to his life is the many dear and cherished friendships he made, including his buddies from Walmart, and a special friend Daniel McGarry. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Giovanni and Cosimina De Carlo, and Leon and Evelyn Cooper. The family is grateful for the wonderful care and attention shown to Coop and his family at the Oneida City Hospital Emergency Medicine Department during this difficult time. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may consider a donation to the family enabling them to establish a trust fund for Coop's children; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jacob's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Coop will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Jacob C. "Coop" Cooper

November 21, 1979 - July 2, 2013