Meyer "Mike" S. Cooper

Meyer "Mike" S. Cooper was born on May 25, 1925 in South Philadelphia. He passed away in his sleep, at his condominium in Philadelphia, PA, of natural causes on November 3, 2024. He was 99 years old. May his memory be a blessing.

The son of poor Jewish immigrants, he and his brother, Kenneth, 18 months older, were raised in the Jewish Foster Home and Orphan’s Asylum in Germantown (a precursor to United Jewish Charities) from infancy until they joined the fight against Nazi Germany in WWII, where Mike served in the Army Corps of Engineers in Europe and his brother fought in the Army in the Pacific Theatre. Mike helped to liberate satellite concentration camps at the end of the war, which led to a lifetime commitment of service to Israel and the welfare of Jews around the world. He looked back fondly on his years (and adventures) at the Jewish Home, and nurtured lifelong relationships with many of the “home guys” and their families.

He met and married Irene Roseman after coming home from the war, and they had four children: Eric, Linda, Jeffrey and Andrea. In 1957, with the help of the VA Bill, they purchased a brand new suburban tract home in Levittown, PA. Mike became active in the local B'Nai Brith and the local temple. Always an excellent salesman, he became a district manager for Gerber Baby Foods in the 1960s. He was also active in community theater and acted in and directed plays for years with the Langhorne Players. Sadly, Irene died in 1970 at 42 from a brain tumor. Mike worked several jobs to support his family. His second marriage to Dorothy Dienno in 1972 ended in an amicable divorce ten years later.

Returning to college in the mid 1970s, Mike earned a BA in Education from Antioch College. His path led to working with severely troubled adolescents at the Eastern State Hospital school until his retirement in his 70s. Mike left Levittown in the 1990s, moving to the William Penn House at 19th and Chestnut Streets, where he always had a compliment or corny joke at hand, and was a popular fellow in the building. He played penny poker every week for many years and was beloved by the players. His favorite movies were Gunga Din and King Kong, of which he never tired!

Never one to sit around, Mike won numerous gold medals in the Senior Olympics, played bocce ball in South Philly, and was a long-time league bowler. He attended varied classes at The Osher Institute’s Temple University campus. He walked miles a day and loved his city, especially Love Park and Rittenhouse Square, the Art Museum, soft pretzels, kosher hot dogs and corned beef sandwiches (no mayo!). He never missed a Thanksgiving Day or Mummer’s Parade. He was a proud, valued member of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States, Post 98; one of only a few surviving WWII participants. Mike also cared for his older brother Kenneth, with love and devotion through a long struggle with disabling dementia.

Following his heart, Mike routinely volunteered with the Israeli army, building mess kits and staying in basic barracks, traveling around the beautiful country and seaside. He continued to volunteer there until his mid-80s. An inexhaustible shoestring traveler, he drove across the US many times, stopping at roadside attractions and national parks alike (Zion was his favorite), seeking out what makes America unique, making friends along the way. He traveled the world, rode camels and elephants, jumped out of airplanes, and attended music and arts seminars through ElderHostel. He was a popular volunteer usher at several playhouses in Philadelphia, where he enjoyed the friendship of the volunteer “crew” as much as the productions.

Mike Cooper lived on very little but was a very generous supporter of his family and a heartfelt donor to Jewish causes. He was a witty, easy-going man who felt deeply. He is sorely missed by his extended family and friends. Mike chose not to be interred or have a funeral service. His memory will live on in the thoughts and deeds of those who knew and loved him.

Arrangements by Joseph Levine & Sons - Trevose, PA - www.levinefuneral.com