Richard Murray Cooper, a resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, died on January 12th, 2025 at the age of 85. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel.

Location of Service:

The Dorfman Chapel- main chapel (map to our Chapel)

Date of Service:

Wednesday January 15th, 2025

Time of Service:

1:00 P M  

Interment at:

Beth El Memorial, 28120 6 Mile Rd, Livonia, MI

Officiant:

Rabbi Joseph Krakoff  

Shiva Information:

The family will be sitting through Thursday evening at the residence: 6754 Enclave West Bloomfield MI 48322 Phone: (248) 770-0216.

Religious services will be held Wednesday evening at 6:00PM.  
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Charitable contributions:

The Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network
6555 W. Maple Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
248-592-2687.

or
The Kelly Cooper Fund for Seniors at
The Shul in West Bloomfield
6890 W. Maple Rd
West Bloomfield, Michigan 48322
Phone: 248-788-4000  

Family Members:

Richard Cooper died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 12, 2025, at age 85. Born on May 16, 1939, Richard dedicated his life to service, both in the military and in civilian capacities, touching countless lives with his commitment to health and community service.

Richard served in the US Navy from 1959 to 1963 as a Navy Corpsman aboard the USS Independence CVA 62, where he supervised the Emergency Room and provided critical trauma care. He was deployed to the Middle East three times and to Cuba during the missile crisis. His experiences in the Navy profoundly influenced his civilian career, where he utilized his education from Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State University to enhance community health and education. He held master's degrees in Special Education and Business Administration, which he applied to develop vocational programs for high school students with disabilities and programs for reintegrating individuals from state institutions into their communities. Richard supervised programs addressing mental health issues as the Director of Oakland County Community Mental Health.

In retirement, he volunteered in the emergency room at St. Joseph Hospital-Pontiac and became a licensed EMT and Certified Paramedic. His commitment to community health culminated in his partnership with his wife, Harriet, to develop the Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic, a significant provider of free medical care in Michigan.

Richard's personal life was filled with joy, purpose, and adventure. He shared 52 wonderful years with his wife, Harriet. He was a loving father to his son, Eric (Susan) Cooper, and three step-children, Gabrielle (Todd) Starr, Seth Rosenberg, and Loren Rosenberg (Victoria Thompson). He was also a cherished grandfather to his seven grandchildren: Gillian Cooper (Alex Wang), Meghan (Keith) Bagwell, Sarah Cooper, Zoe Starr, Jordyn Starr, Lucie Rosenberg, Ava Rosenberg, and two great-grandchildren: Cooper Wang and Sadie Bagwell. Richard also leaves behind his brother, Jack (Barbara) Cooper, and a small but dedicated number of close friends. Richard was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly, his brother, Tom, and his parents, Jean and Frank Cooper.

Richard enjoyed boating, water sports, SCUBA diving, traveling, and reading. He was an active member of The Shul of West Bloomfield and contributed to various community initiatives that benefited others.

Richard's legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew him.  

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