Mr. Leon C. "Jake" Cooper

FRANKFORT – Mr. Leon C. “Jake” Cooper, age 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Born in Ilion on March 22, 1951, Leon was the son of the late Leon F. and Evelyn (Withers) Cooper. He was a graduate of Frankfort High School/Class of 1969. A true patriot his whole life, he responded heroically to the call to serve his country. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1969, and honorably served during the Vietnam War for a period of four years, serving two tours of duty. He was a proud pilot and earned many ribbons of valor for his service. On May 19, 1973, he wed the former Martha De Carlo. The couple shared a long and devoted union. They made many sacrifices to build a log home, which became the center of a strong family life which pleased them so well. A machinist by trade, Jake held a position with Chicago Pneumatic, and Bendix. He was last employed by UTC Aerospace Systems, from which he retired in 2013. Jake was a jack of all trades, but especially enjoyed hunting and trapping, and the refreshing taste of a cold Budweiser. Jake is survived by his devoted wife, Martha, whom he lovingly referred to as “Tuff;” and his daughter and son-in-law, Divina M. and Bill Spellman. He held close to his heart the memory of his children who preceded him, Jacob C. “Coop” Cooper (2013), and Jessica A. Cooper (2019). He also leaves his memory to his grandchildren, Dominique Spellman; Antonio, Jacob, Aianna, and Aviella Cooper, and their mother Kourtney Cooper; sisters, Jewell Kent (the late Roger Kent), Lucy Cooper, and Ila Cooper; and brother and sister-in-law, and Peter and Sharon Cooper. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Joanne and Jack Wheeler, and Joan and Robert Ward. He is additionally survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Pia and Vincent Brancaccio, Vito and Juanita De Carlo, Evelyn De Carlo (the late Cosmo De Carlo), Michelle De Carlo (the late Domenico “Dominick” De Carlo, Sr.), and Carmela De Carlo (the late Mario De Carlo). He loved his faithful canine companion, “Cooper.” He was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Giovanni and Cosimina (Tramacera) De Carlo. The family will honor and commemorate Jake’s life privately. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Leon C. "Jake" Cooper

March 22, 1951 - August 14, 2024