Dr. Tommy Lee Cooper

Dr. Tommy (Tom) Lee Cooper, age 81, of Bloomsburg, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Grandview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Danville, PA. The family is thankful for the loving care he received by the staff there during his final days. Tom was a resident of Bloomsburg for over 56 years. He was born on July 15, 1944 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Claude (Jack) and Helen (Schneck) Cooper. He graduated from Ferndale Dale High School in 1962, where he excelled in football and basketball and met his high school sweetheart and future wife Sandra (Barefoot) Cooper. A football scholarship took him to Morehead State University in Kentucky. Although his football career was shortened by injury, he graduated from Morehead State in 1966 and went on to pursue a Masters degree at Penn State University, where he served as a graduate assistant football coach under Joe Paterno. Tom and Sandy were married on August 26, 1967 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. After finishing his degree at Penn State, Tom accepted a position at Fredonia State University in New York before coming to Bloomsburg State College as the Director of Admissions in 1970. In the early 1980s, he took a sabbatical to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh earning a degree in 1982. He spent the rest of his career in various administrative positions at Bloomsburg University; retiring as the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2004, and was named Manager Emeritus at the University. Tom was very involved in the Bloomsburg community during his life including serving in various leadership positions with the Wesley United Methodist Church, coaching little league baseball, assisting in local United Way charitable drives, and attending Bloomsburg University sporting events. His favorite pastime was playing golf with his many friends at Frosty Valley Country Club, where he also served on the Board of Directors for many years. He also enjoyed downhill skiing and playing any card game including poker, cribbage, blackjack and gin rummy. Many a meal was followed by a card game with family members or friends. Tom cherished spending time with his family and friends. He was always there to offer love, support and guidance to his beloved children, Claudia and Thomas, throughout his life. One of his highlights was taking trips to Ocean City, New Jersey with his children and eventually their families. He attended many sporting events that his grandsons, Cooper and Zach, participated in over the years. He loved his summer visits with his granddaughters, Aspen and Autumn, often taking them to New York City to see a play; he loved Broadway shows especially the music. After retirement, Tom and Sandy would go to New Smyrna Beach, Florida during the winter with several other friends; where he loved to go on bike rides, play shuffleboard, and hit the links. He looked forward to this trip every year. He also served as guardian for his special needs sister, Jackie, later in her life. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Helen, sister Jackie Cooper, beloved daughter Claudia (Cooper) Thrush, and granddaughter Olivia Thrush. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sandy Cooper; a brother, Chalmer (Doc) Cooper and his wife Karen; a sister, Linda (Cooper) Urban and her husband Richard; his son Thomas Cooper and partner Michelle Thoemke; son in law, Arlin Thrush; four wonderful grandchildren, Aspen Cooper, Autumn Cooper, Cooper Thrush, and Zachary Thrush; and seven loving nieces and nephews. A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 130 West Third St., Bloomsburg, which will immediately be followed by funeral services starting at 11 a.m. The Reverend Mark F. Reisinger will officiate the service. The Allen Funeral Home Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg, is honored to be serving the Cooper family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom’s name are suggested to: The Claudia J. Thrush Memorial Scholarship Fund, Bloomsburg University Foundation, 50 East Main Street, 4th Floor, Bloomsburg, PA 17815; or Bright Focus, Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, P.O. Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871.

Dr. Tommy Lee Cooper

July 15, 1944 - February 5, 2026