Obituary

Obituary of Henry Jeff Cooper Sr.
January 24, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Henry Jeff Cooper Sr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who departed this life peacefully on January 24, 2025, at 9 p.m., at the age of 80.
Born on May 4, 1944, in Kingstree, South Carolina, to Phyllis Cooper Davis and Peter Cooper Sr., Henry’s journey began in a close-knit community rich in family values and traditions. In 1949, as a young boy, Henry migrated with his family to New York City, where he laid the foundation for a life marked by dedication, service, and love.
Henry attended Food Trades Vocational High School in New York, where he discovered his passion and talent as a food cook and baker—skills he carried proudly throughout his life. He later served his country honorably as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force, embodying resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to service.
After his military service, Henry pursued several successful ventures. Alongside his brothers, he became a part-owner of G.T.J.P Liquors, a family business that highlighted his entrepreneurial
spirit and deep connection to his loved ones. Henry later joined the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (M.T.A.) as a Motorman, where he served the city of New York with professionalism and integrity for many years.
Henry often stressed the importance of being your best self and found immense joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved driving family and friends around in his beloved cars, especially his
Dodge Colt and Chrysler Town and Country, which were a source of pride and countless memories. A true lover of the classics, Henry enjoyed a good bowl of vanilla ice cream with apple pie, watching old western shows at full volume, and listening to his cherished collection of music CDs and records. Perhaps most of all, he loved connecting with others—whether they were family, friends, or strangers, Henry’s warmth and open-hearted conversations left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Henry’s culinary talents, deep faith, and sense of humor were a source of comfort and joy to all who knew him. He was a guiding light for his family, always encouraging them to embrace their
potential and live with purpose. Beyond his professional achievements, Henry was known for his exceptional culinary skills and warm, generous spirit. He had a gift for bringing people together, often through the meals he prepared with care and love, creating lifelong memories for family and friends.
Henry leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and resilience. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Linda Cooper; his loving children, Natasha Hernandez and her husband Luis
Hernandez, and Henry J. Cooper Jr.; and his three beloved grandchildren, Luis Henry Hernandez, Emilio James Hernandez, and Leilani Amaya Rowe Cooper. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Alexander, sister-in-law Ria Cooper, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues who were truly blessed to know him.
Henry’s life was one of profound purpose and unwavering commitment to his family and community. His journey from South Carolina to New York City, his military service, and his entrepreneurial ventures all reflected his belief in hard work, perseverance, and the importance of uplifting others.
A celebration of Henry Jeff Cooper Sr.’s life will be held on Jan 30th, 2025, at Grace Church on 11th Street and Broadway. The family invites all who knew and loved him to join in honoring
his remarkable legacy.
"Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day."
Funeral Services
Share a Memory
The Obituaries are currently being upgraded. Please contact us to report any issues.