OBITUARIES

Joseph (Joe) Edward Cooper, 61, of Geneva, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 22, 2026 following a brief illness.

Joe was born November 1, 1964 in Chardon, Ohio to the late Charles “Dale” Cooper and the late Janelle Cooper. He was a devoted husband, father, Pap, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and community member. Joe lived a life rooted in love, kindness, fun and service. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him with his willingness to help others and his generous heart.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Boni Cooper; his children Sarah Arth (Andy); Michael Cooper (Jenny); and Cora Harper. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Oakley and Addison who brought him immeasurable joy!

Joe is also survived by his brothers Michael Cooper (Beatrice); Jim Cooper (Julie); and his sister Marla Martello (Joe) as well as his brothers-in-law Dave Kaser (Linda) and Don Kaser (Becky). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends and neighbors who he considered family.

Joe was preceded in death by his Parents, Dale and Janelle Cooper; Stepfather, Jeff Davis; In-laws; Joe and Mary Kaser

Joe’s service to his community is vast. He served on so many boards and coached for many organizations which include the Geneva Community Center, The Billy Nicholson Memorial Scholarship Fund, Geneva Little League, Geneva Youth Football, The Geneva Gridiron Club, and Geneva Schools football, track, baseball and basketball teams. His most recent endeavor was being elected to the Geneva Area Schools School Board. If there was a need, Joe always stepped up to help however he could. His goal was that he always wanted to leave an organization better than he found it!

His service continued in his professional career as well. Joe worked for the Geneva Police Department for 38 years. His last several years were spent in the Geneva Schools as the SRO. He had so much love and respect for the staff and students of Geneva. After retiring from Geneva PD, he went to work for the Ashtabula County Sheriff Department where he was assigned to Pymatuning Valley Schools as their SRO. He very quickly also reached a deep level of love and respect for the staff and students of Pymatuning. He was so happy to be so warmly accepted into the Laker family. Throughout Joe’s years as a police officer he was best known for meeting people where they were in their life. His empathy for others ran deep. His ability to deescalate a situation with his calm personality was very beneficial in helping others. Joe was a “safe” place for community members and students. Everyone knew if they needed anything they could call Joe day or night with no judgement.

Joe was also the owner of Airdale Heating and Cooling for over 30 years. He felt a calling to reopen his late fathers business to honor his dad. Over the years he has been blessed to have so many local friends work with him and he was honored to have their loyalty and dedication to the business. His advice to all now would be “Check your filter!”

He received so many awards and accolades over the years and he was honored and humbled by each one. Joe was a member of the Geneva Kiwanis Club and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2243.

Joe attended Madison Schools and Muskingum College where he met lifelong friends that he remained in contact with until the very end. His childhood friends and his Ulster brothers held such an important place in his heart. He was also loved by Boni’s childhood friends and Delta sisters who always included him as an honorary Delta.

If you spent any time with Joe, there are a few things about him that you already know. First, the love that he had for his wife, his children and his granddaughters was deeper than the deepest ocean. He was so proud of his kids! Secondly, the man loved to gamble and go to casinos! Third, he loved to travel! Vegas, Florida, Europe, “Let’s go!!”

And finally, Joe always liked to have the last word. His family firmly believes this is also true of his final days. His pancreatic cancer diagnosis was made on August 7th while he and Boni were traveling in Europe with their dear friends. They believe he knew conquering this disease was not a battle he was going to win and he did not want his loved ones to suffer watching him decline and graciously let them know he was ready to go. Always and forever the protector!

The family would like to request two things in Joe’s memory. First, there will be a memory box at the service. Please take a moment to write your name, how you knew Joe and a favorite memory or story you have of Joe to place in the box or send to the family. They would like to take time in the future to read and cherish these memories. Secondly, in lieu of flowers, they would like to honor Joe’s love of Geneva football by having donations made to the capital campaign to aid in the building of the new stadium for Geneva Area City Schools. Joe was so proud to be elected to the board of education so that he could be a part of moving the district forward in a positive way. One of the projects he was most excited about was the stadium. The family would love to have Joe’s legacy be a part of this build.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at Geneva High School, 1301 South Ridge Road East, Geneva Ohio. from 12:00-5:00 p.m. followed by a service with Rev Pam Buzalka of 1st United Methodist Church officiating There will be a private service for burial at a later date.

Go Eagles! Go Lakers!

Donations:

Geneva Area City Schools’ Capital Campaign (in Joe’s memory)

1301 S. Ridge Rd. E, Suite A, Geneva,Ohio 44041

Attention: Shelley McDermott,Treasurer and CFO

shelley.mcdermott@genevaschools.org

Walker Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with his care.