Cooper, Gerald W., Major US Army (ret.), age 83, died on July 24, 2007 at 1:30am, with his wife, Sandra, at his side. He is survived by his wife Sandra; son Gerald; daughters Lisa, Jennifer and Sandy; stepdaughters Teresa, Sheila, Pam and JoAnn; and stepson Michael. He left behind 10 grandchildren: Brittany, Meghan, Hannah, Cassie Logan, Kristi Holcombe, Adam, Angel, Bobby, Evan Cain, Christopher, Suzanna Nicholson; and 6 great grand children.
He retired from the U. S. Army after serving 20 years, including World War II and Korea. He was a Prisoner of War in Germany during WW II; and was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal; Purple Heart; European Medal with Three Battle Stars; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; Korean Service Medal with Two Battle Stars; and more.
He was a Life Member of ASIS International, the world’s foremost security organization; and a Lifetime Certified Protection Professional (CPP). In addition to being a member with ASIS International, he served in numerous Chapter leadership positions, including Chairman; and
was an Assistant Regional Vice President and then Regional Vice President for Region XIII. Among his many awards with ASIS International are being the first recipient of the E. J. Criscuoli, Jr. Volunteer Leadership Award; and the recipient of the ASIS Florida West Coast Chapter’s most prestigious award, the Charles J. Knight Award, given to the Outstanding Member of the Year. He was appointed to the Florida Private Investigation, Recovery and Security Advisory Council, and helped developed the curriculum for all licensed Security Officers in the State of Florida.
Gerry did more in retirement that many of us achieve
at our full-time jobs. His service never wavered even throughout retirement. Gerry was always at the
entrance to the monthly luncheon, greeting visitors,
new members and regular attendees, encouraging networking, and getting involved with the chapter. He enjoyed the honor of leading us at each meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation. We endearingly called Gerry the Godfather of our Chapter because of that commitment and all that he has given back to the security profession. As a tribute to his passion for volunteering, mentoring, and commitment to
the profession, the Chapter 30 Board named an award in his honor. This award recognizes a
board member who has distinguished themselves through their volunteer efforts and selfless commitment to ASIS and the chapter.
The recipient receives a plaque marking the event
and a paid registration to the annual ASIS national seminar.
Gerry was on hand to present the award to the
first few recipients, which he held dearly.
He was President of the Tampa/St. Petersburg Chapter of the National Association of Uniformed Services; served on Congressman Mike Bilirakis Veterans Affairs Committee; served on the Mac Dill AFB Hospital Advisory Council; and served on the Williamsburg Community Homeowners Board of Directors.
