TURIN - John D. "Jack" Cooper, 76, passed unexpectedly Saturday, January 10th, 2015.

He was born in Rochester, PA and later lived in Texas before settling on his grandparent's farm in Turin, NY. Jack is survived by one younger sibling Victor James Cooper. Their parents were Col. David Kerr and Gwendolyn Gadd Cooper. Jack attended Lowville Academy, Northfield Mt. Hermon Prep School and Cornell University. Jack worked for Eastern Rock Corp., for 31 years and retired at the age of 60.

He enjoyed travel and was very interested in the Civil War and visited some of those sites. He read many books on the subject, as well as many other reading interests. Jack also really enjoyed skiing in his younger years and was a member of the Snow Ridge Ski Patrol.

He was married to Patricia Smith of Rochester, NY and when she died of cancer, "Jack" as he preferred to be called, befriended Donna Kuersteiner and her family also of Turin, NY. In 1980 they became one, sharing nearly 35 full and incredibly happy years together.

Jack is also survived by her children, Eric and Gregg Kuersteiner, and Lisanne Divine; and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who fondly called him "Gran-Jack". In later years he suffered from COPD, without complaint and was always optimistic, and still enjoyed his vacations. He also was a great lover of animals.

In his memory contributions may be made to: Lewis County Humane Society, P.O. Box 682, Lowville, NY 13367 or the American Lung Association. An immediate extended family gathering will be held, there will be no calling hours. A private family observance will be held in the spring.