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Anthony Cooper

It is with great sadness that the family of Anthony “Tony” A. Cooper of Essex (previously of Guilford and New Britain) announces his passing at the age of 95. In his own words: “I have always felt blessed in having had such a happy, productive, and fortunate life.”

Tony was born and raised in New Britain and graduated from the Kent School and Williams College, where he was a member of the Cum Laude Society. Shortly after graduation in 1950, he was drafted at the start of the Korean War and served in Italy managing a large supply depot. Tony rose from recruit to the rank of sergeant first class in two years, an achievement of which he was incredibly proud. Tony was married for almost 70 years to Ann Murdoch Cooper, whom he adored with deep love and respect. While he handled the finances, he was completely dependent on Ann for all else, especially during his later years. They shared homes in New Britain, Guilford, and Brownsville, Vermont.

His career spanned 38 years working for the 8,000-employee Fafnir Bearing Company in New Britain. For several years, he and his family lived in England while he served as director of manufacturing of their British subsidiary. A community leader throughout his lifetime, he served as chairman of New Britain General Hospital (Hospital for Central Connecticut) and served as either president or chief officer of the New Britain Red Cross, the Mooreland Hill School, the New Britain Redevelopment Commission, the Essex Station of the Cruising Club of America, the Sachem’s Head Association and other organizations. He was also a director of the New Britain Bank & Trust Co. and on the advisory committee of the Hartford National Bank.

Tony developed his love of boating at a very early age. He went on to become a highly skilled ocean racer/sailor and a self-taught celestial navigator on his boats. Prima Donna and Makai, winning prizes in the Bermuda and Storm Trysail races, amongst others. He was also a lifelong skier who, with Ann at his side, skied throughout New England, the U.S., and Europe. Tony also loved cycling and often rode more than 2,000 miles annually up to the age of 85.

He is survived by his wife; his two sons, Stanley “Chip” Cooper of Guilford and Colin Cooper of Guilford; his daughter Elizabeth Cooper of Clinton; and his seven grandchildren: Abbie Cooper, Ashley Cooper, Eli Cooper, Wesley Cooper, Alex Milardo, Margaret Milardo and Sam Milardo. Tony will be deeply missed but forever remembered by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

The family will be holding a private memorial followed by a celebration of life in July. To share a memory of Tony or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.