LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Michael V. Cooper, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Michael V. Cooper, noting the significance
of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Michael V. Cooper distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, Born August 23, 1958, in Beckley, West Virginia, Michael V.
Cooper was a dedicated educator and beloved Assistant Coach at Geneva
High School; he was a noble man who touched the lives of so many; having
had a passion for football led him to coach for over 28 years where he
played a tremendous role in the Geneva football family; and
WHEREAS, Along with coaching Geneva High School football he also
coached youth football, both girls' indoor and outdoor track as well as
girls' basketball; and
WHEREAS, A proud veteran member of the Geneva High School coaching
staff, Michael V. Cooper played a central role in the Panthers' New York
State championship season in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Michael V. Cooper was a Certified History Teacher; he also
took on the challenging role of leading the school's Structured Studies
program which includes students on long-term, in-school suspension; and
WHEREAS, Often described as a big teddy bear with a presence larger
than life, Michael V. Cooper established a relationship with students
and players that could not be measured; he was influential as well as
admired throughout the Geneva community; and
WHEREAS, A devoted member of the Geneva Football Boosters Club and a
proud member of the Free and Accepted Masons Humanity Lodge 406 in
Lyons, Michael V. Cooper's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Michael V. Cooper is survived by his wife, Susan Wilkes Coop-
er; his children: Colin (Marli Gringeri), Bryan, Andrew, Alyssa and her
children, Quinton and Dominick; his parents, Wallace and Gale Cooper;
siblings, Wally (Ronette) Cooper, Debbie (Ed) Compson, William Cooper,
Belinda (Brian Driscoll) Cooper and Tina Cooper; father-in-law and moth-
er-in-law, Frank and Doris Wilkes; brother-in-law, David (Lori) Wilkes;
and sister-in-law, Sandy (Mike) Bajdas; as well as several nieces, neph-
ews, many extended family members and wonderful friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Michael V. Cooper leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Michael V. Cooper, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Michael V. Cooper.