Thomas J. Cooper, Cooper Realty founder

Thomas J. Cooper, 77, of Lewes, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. He was born Aug. 8, 1945, in Towson, Md., son of the late William and K. Louise Cooper.

Thomas grew up in Seaford, where he was active in organized sports and was an avid fisherman, golfer and outdoorsman. In later years, he was an active champion for animal rights and pet rescue, and spent happy hours working on his koi pond, fish, frogs and wild bird gardening.

Thomas was active in Republican politics, including serving as a full delegate to the Republican Convention, personally meeting and dining with four presidents. He was well-known, sometimes quietly, as a King Maker or King Breaker.

Thomas established his company, Cooper Realty Associates Inc., in 1984, with offices in Seaford, Salisbury, Millsboro, Georgetown and Laurel. Over the years, in addition to being a real estate broker, he served as chairman of the State of Delaware Real Estate Commission, chairman of the board of the Beebe Medical Foundation and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (the only one ever from Sussex County). Thomas was also commissioner of the Delaware River and Bay Authority (having been unanimously confirmed by the Senate) and the chairman of Nanticoke Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. He was a full brother and officer of the National Fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Thomas is survived by his longtime, valued and loved companion, Gloria Merryman; his brother, Tim Cooper; his beloved pets, Karma, Lucky and TC; and a wide circle of close and trusted friends.

A Celebration of his life will be held in the fall. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

Visit Mr. Cooper’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.