Arthur Thomas Cooper

Arthur Thomas “Tom” Cooper, 76, of East Washington, died May 17, 2022, in Washington Hospital. He was born April 9, 1946, in Washington, the son of the late Arthur Burdette and Louise Heatley Cooper. He was a graduate of Linsly Military Institute, Yale, and Salve Regina. Tom proudly served his country in the US Navy retiring after 32 years with the rank of Captain. Tom was a highly accomplished ship handler as well as a professional communicator. He served as the Deputy J6 and the J6 at the U.S. European Command responsible for overseeing U.S. military communications in Europe and Africa. He served as the Commanding Officer of the guided missile destroyer USS MacDonough (DDG-39) in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He also served in other missile cruisers and destroyers including the USS Stanley, USS Mississippi, USS Dale, USS Little Rock, USS Springfield, and USS Farragut. Overseas assignments were in Morocco, Italy, Guam, Germany, and Belgium. He was instrumental in significantly improving and modernizing U.S. Navy communications for ships and shore stations. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Tom worked for NATO directly as Executive Coordinator for NATO C3. He joined CISCO as a Defense Initiative Manager, retiring in 2006. On March 17, 1971, Arthur married Sherry Toner, who survives. Also surviving are sons, Arthur Cooper, of Monongahela, and Alex Cooper, of East Washington; brother, Dave Cooper, of Geneseo, NY; sister, Virginia Swaggard, of Poland, OH; granddaughter, Elizabeth Cooper; and cousins, Jerry Cooper, and Joyce Cooper. Tom served on the Board of Directors of the Museum of American Glass of West Virginia for nine years. He was actively involved on the Board of Directors of the National Duncan Glass Society where he served as Chairman of the Committee for the addition to the Duncan & Miller Museum. Memorial donations may be made to The National Duncan Glass Society, 100 Ridge Avenue, Washington, Pa 15301. There will be a memorial gathering Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 4-6:30 pm, the time of service, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. An online guest book is available at NealFuneralHome.com