ROBERT "COOP" E. COOPERRIDER

Robert E. “Coop” Cooperrider, 84, of Hinckley, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 27, 1941, Coop was the beloved son of Donald E. and Ruth E. (Robinson) Cooperrider.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lynda (nee Raffay); his daughter, Rebecca (Nate); his grandchildren, Jack and Claire Barney and step- grandchildren Katelyn and Brayden Mugford, whom he loved as his own; his brother, Gary (Brooke) Cooperrider; and his cousin, Stan Robinson; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law Bob and Judy Mustee, Pat Stupka and Vic Raffay who were like siblings to him and his nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Coop was a devoted husband to Lynda, a proud father to Rebecca, and a grandfather who adored his grandchildren Jack and Claire, who were the light of his life. To Coop, family was everything. He cherished everyday moments with them—school rides, projects around the house, and the simple gift of being together. He never missed a game and loved cheering Jack and Claire on whether it was football, lacrosse, soccer or basketball proudly attending practices and tournament trips.

Coop took great pride in teaching his grandchildren to ride bikes, swim, snorkel, and shoot—buying each of them their first BB gun. He also took special pride in teaching them to drive, including the occasional parking-lot “spin-out” lesson that became a beloved family legend.

Coop graduated from Franklin University with a degree in Industrial/Architectural Management and earned certifications in electrical and mechanical engineering. Over the course of his career, he held facilities management roles at The Ohio State University, Westinghouse, and Ohio Bell—where he met his wife. In 1996, Coop and Lynda moved to North Carolina, where at age 56 he changed career paths and became a Head Guide at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. After returning to Ohio, he joined Quadax in 2009 and retired at age 77.

An adrenaline junkie with a generous spirit, Coop was a pilot, master scuba diver, wilderness first-aid trained, avid water skier—often serving as the base of the pyramid—boater, hunter, bicyclist (including multiple 100-mile rides), and kayaker. Coop knew no strangers; he had the gift of making everyone feel like family. A convert to Catholicism, he was deeply committed to his faith.

Coop lived life with curiosity, courage, and a deep love for his family, leaving behind stories, laughter, and a legacy that will continue to guide those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s Abbey, 10510 Buckeye Rd., Cleveland, OH 44104, or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 5075 Windfall Rd., Medina, OH 44256, in Coop’s memory.

Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Bosco Church, 6480 Pearl Rd., Parma Heights, Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 10 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.) WEDNESDAY from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

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