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Frederick E. Cooper

July 2, 1945

December 12, 2023

On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, Fred E. Cooper passed away after an eighteen-month bout with (mesothelioma) cancer. Fred was a loving husband to Jeaneen; a caring brother to Linda (Dean) and Cheryl; a devoted father to Garrett (Emily), Sam (Cara) and Shane (Jesse); a proud pop-pop to Carson and Corinn; a supportive uncle to countless nieces, nephews, and relatives; and a loyal friend to many classmates, business associates, community members, neighbors, and more.

Fred was a proud Chartiers Valley High School graduate (Class of ‘63), who participated on the football, baseball, and wrestling teams. He received a scholarship to attend the University of Maryland, becoming a three-year letterman and a key performer as a defensive back (‘64-66), quarterback (‘65), and punt and kickoff returner (‘64-65) for the Terps. He received a degree in Business Marketing and Finance in ‘67.

Like his dad, who played for the very first Pittsburgh Steelers team in 1933, Fred was proud to be signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers, though ultimately did not make the team out of camp.

After years of selling copy machines In the 1970s, at age 27, Fred was inspired to open a leasing business to enable small businesses to finance the purchase of copiers and other business machinery, and offload these originated loans to regional banks. Eventually, Fred expanded this business into Texas during the energy boom, and this enabled him to start another passion project - the purchase and renovation of the old Scott Township High School into the Shenandoah Night Club (later Oldies and Legends) and Grandpa’s restaurant.

Years later, Fred had the opportunity to save a local biotech company from bankruptcy, Biocontrol Technology, Inc. As CEO, Fred successfully raised over $130 million dollars to advance research around noninvasive hardware techniques to scan (diabetic) glucose and purchase leading edge technologies. While the company is no longer around, many of the technologies it helped foster continue to be utilized today to treat cancer (Intraperitoneal Hyperthermia Device), diabetes, and even energy catastrophes (Petroleum Remediation Product).

Eventually, Fred settled into doing consulting work for local entrepreneurs. He participated in several deals, including selling off one of the largest portfolios of Perkins Restaurants, advising local company DT Interpreting on going public and later selling to a strategic buyer, and brokering and selling numerous bars and restaurants in the Pittsburgh area, including some in the Carnegie area.

At heart, Fred loved being an entrepreneur, spending time with his family and friends, watching and talking sports, helping people, and coaching kids. Fred actively participated as a volunteer and philanthropist in numerous causes over the years, which his sons continue to follow to this day. Finally, he coached around 400 kids over the years in baseball, basketball, and football, including founding the Chartiers Valley Jr. Colts in the early ‘90s.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the SZAFRANSKI-EBERLEIN FUNERAL HOME, INC., where family and friends will be received on Friday, December 15, 2023 from 3-7PM at 101 Third Street, Carnegie. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Fred's name to the Carnegie Boys & Girls Club of Western PA. It was an institution Mr. Cooper proudly supported over the years, and one that his sons attended in their youth. Donations may be sent to Carnegie Boys & Girls Club of Western PA, 630 Washington Ave, Carnegie, PA 15106 with memo “In memory of Fred Cooper” or made online at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/carnegiebrettcooperfundraiser/

www.szafranski-eberleinfuneralhome.com (412)276-1107

Family Florals by:
Pete Donati and Sons
(412)835-4420

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