Obituary of Peter Todd Cooper

Peter Todd Cooper passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday November 29th, 2017. He was 71 years old. Peter was born March 5, 1946 in Brooklyn New York to Margret Elinor Johnston and John Curtis Cooper. He moved from Baldwin New York to Bernardsville in 1955 where he attended Bernardsville schools through graduation at Bernards High. In high school, music quickly became a passion when he learned trombone. He played in the school marching band and at 16 was selected to join the USA Band of America. The band toured all over the US and Central America, and was an honor provided to only two students per state. Medicine was also an early love of Peter's, found as a teenager while working daily after school at Mowder's Pharmacy. His desire to help people was so strong that, for his advanced education, Peter enrolled in a 5 Year course of study at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy as a Registered Pharmacist. Remaining committed to his community he ultimately purchased Mowder's in 1975, which he owned and operated tirelessly until 1989. His career later led him to volunteer and subsequently be hired as a Pharmacist at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center Hospital in Lyons NJ. He was attracted to the VA during Desert Storm when additional medical support was needed. During his tenure supporting veterans he and an associate created the first office practice of Pharmacy. The office provided counseling to patients about their medications as well as assistance with general therapeutic issues and other pharmacological questions. (In his spare time) he also became a Certified Consultant Pharmacist, the highest certification available to pharmacists. Peter was also a Fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. He retired from active practice in 2005. Peter maintained residency in Bernardsville until his death, was a member of the Bernardsville Kiwanis Club, and former member of the Bernardsville Board of Health. As an avid angler and hunter, Peter's ashes will rest in Big Lake Maine, one of his favorite places. Peter is survived by Linda his wife and partner of 27 years, his son Todd, stepsons Daniel and Brian Mischel, and 2 step grandsons, Harrison and Benjamin Mischel. Memorial Service was held Sunday, December 17th at 3PM at the Lyons VAMC 2nd Circle Chapel. For further information, or to light an online condolence candle please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com