Obituary of Joseph H. Cooter
Joseph "Joe" H. Cooter, Sr., 71, of Syracuse, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at Upstate University Hospital at Community General. Born in Buffalo, NY, he was a son of the late William Sr. and Catherine (Smith) Cooter. He was an Army Veteran, stationed in Japan and South Korea during the Vietnam Era, serving as a Traffic Analyst in the US Army Security Agency. He married his loving wife of 50 years, the former Diane Wellington, on March 31, 1967.
Joe earned a Bachelor's degree in history from Syracuse University, and went on to earn his Master's degree in both history and information science from SU. He worked for Onondaga County Department of Social Services for 20 years, starting as a case worker and retiring as a supervisor in Child Protective Services. In his free time, he enjoyed following the New York Yankees, dabbled in painting, was an avid chess player, and had a passion for genealogy.
In addition to his wife, Diane, Joe is survived by his sons, Joseph Cooter, Jr., and Jonathan (Melissa) Cooter; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, William Francis Cooter, Jr., infant sister, Dorothy, and beloved cat, Picabo.
Calling hours will be Saturday, December 16, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
To express sympathy, please visit www.ballweg-lunsford.com.
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