Dennis Alan Cooper was born May 8, 1949. from the union of Laurie and Watus B. Cooper in Brooklyn, New York. Dennis graduated from Eli Whitney High School. He also attended Long Island University during a time of great difficulties for African American students and he shared many stories from his time there. Dennis was a constant seeker of knowledge and as he matured became more intrigued and interested in matters of religion, social justice, computers, and photography of which he read many books and took many courses. In fact, he encouraged others to read and seek knowledge and wouldn't even assemble a table or chair without reading the full manual first. His favorite phrase to others was "read, read, read." As a tradesman he obtained several licenses and worked jobs at the Water Department, an Electrician Private Exterminator and obtained his CDL which he used while on his job with the New York City Parks Department where he remained for 27 years until his retirement in 2013. His time at the Parks Department was legendary.

Dennis had many nick names he went by including Daddo, Dad, Den Den, Denny, Coop, D and Massa D (which he even had on his license plate). If you knew him by any of these, you knew him.

Dennis is a lifetime New Yorker and started his family very young in Brooklyn. Through his union with Joan B. Cooper who departed in 2012, there were three sons: Erick, Craig and Jamin. Through his lifetime partnership of 40 years until her departure in 2017, Irene P. Tramell, there were three daughters; Shanieka and his twins who he affectionately referenced as "the babies" Kedere and Nakia. 

Dennis had a knack for making every single person feel special. He was extremely family oriented and would spend summers visiting relatives in Philadelphia, PA, Kingstree, SC(his parent\s hometown), Tucson, AZ and Miami, Florida. He'd make a special attempt to attend all family reunions, know his family, communicate it, and stay in touch with all his aunts and uncles while they were living. He's been a caregiver of many throughout his life. During the holiday season and on special occasions he would make custom cards using artwork and/or pictures from his very own photography collection. Dennis was intentional with all his relationships and cared deeply for his children, family, and friends. He would take various younger cousins with him on many journeys and educate them along the way. He was the best big cousin to many of his girl cousins; if you look up "I'm gonna get my cousin on you" you'd find Dennis there with his arms folded across his chest ready to throw down and protect.

If you wanted a good time, a lot of laughs, a funny story or someone who could mimic another person with one encounter like no other, you'd have to find Dennis. Speaking of good times, there was no occasion where you wouldn't find Dennis up with his "Kodak" in his hand as he would call his Canon (preferred) or Nikon. He was the family's Photographer and would often be heard saying I don't know why they hired that guy; my pictures will be better. When he didn't have his camera up and pointed you could find him dancing, doing his two-step, saying "oow, oow" to the beat of the song playing and snapping his fingers.

Dennis loved the outdoors. He would go on adventures to find waterfalls, interesting structures, outdoor art, and the likes. He even used a collection of pictures he'd taken at one of his favorite Brooklyn gems, Prospect Park to publish his very first book named Around the Lake Prospect Park in 2021. What a proud moment that was!

Dennis greatest love outside of his photography was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, teaching them to walk, ride bikes, drive taking them to the park and to karate classes, sending them gifts and recognizing their birthdays.

Dennis was consistent, he was charming, sweet, kind, and protective. His strength and tenacity in all situations was like that of ten lions. He will be absolutely missed.

Dennis leaves to continue and celebrate his legacy, three sons, Erick (Patricia) Cooper of Brooklyn, NY, Craig (Shanta) Cooper of Villa Rica, GA, Jamin Cooper of Brooklyn, NY and three daughters, Shanieka Tramell (Anthony Linder) of Brooklyn, NY, Kedere (Michael) Woodward of Rex, GA and Nakia (Orlando) Walker of North Bergen, NJ, 20 grandchildren, N'Jari, Aqire, Erick, Tameka, Ebony, Shaqueema, Asia, Donovan, Cheray, Brianna, Justice, Supreme, Kennedy Jalia, Shaquira, Amani, Kaylah, Kyle, Skylaar and Brendon and 16 great -grandchildren.

He also leaves to cherish his memory three brothers, Calvin (Eleanor) Franklin of Hollywood, FL,Watus (Fran) B. Cooper Jr., Reginald (Kajleelah) B. Cooper and three sisters, Mearlie Williams of Tallassee, FL, Diane Cooper of Elizabeth, NJ, and Donelle (Dreena) McKnight. His sister Verlene Walron superseded him in death.

He also leaves to cherish his memory of a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends, and some of his friends that are like his brothers and sisters who he grew up with and kept close all his life. Everyone who Dennis loved felt like his very best friend and had their own special relationship with him. He could see what was special about each of you and valued and respected you, that's why he kept you close. He was our glue and foundation; we will honor him with our closeness. 

Special Shout to the following people who helped manage and support us with our father in the last few months; Kyle Thompson(grandson), Reginald Salahudin Cooper (nephew), Jean Cooper (first cousin), Robin Brown (first cousin), Tameka McCave-Edwards (step-granddaughter).

Your love and support are invaluable!