Submitted photo
Earlier this year, Pymatuning Valley School Resource Officer Deputy Joe Cooper had accepted the Hard Helmet award from PV Superintendent Christopher Edison.
BY ERIC HRIN and STEFANIE WESSELL
Gazette Newspapers
GENEVA – The community is mourning the loss of a beloved member of the Geneva community who recently served as a Geneva Area City School District Board of Education member and worked as a School Resource Officer in GACS and Pymatuning Valley Local Schools.
Deputy Joe Cooper passed away Saturday, Aug. 22.
“It is with deep sadness that I inform our Laker Community that our School Resource Officer, Deputy Joe Cooper, passed away today. Only a few days ago, Deputy Cooper was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He fully intended to return to serve our students after Christmas break, but unfortunately, God had a different plan for him,” shared PVLS Superintendent Christopher Edison on Saturday. “Deputy Cooper absolutely loved our community, and most importantly, our kids. In our final conversation, his only two concerns were his own family and his Laker family. He even proposed someone to protect our campus in his absence: Ralf Caswell, a lifelong friend and an exceptional SRO. Despite processing a life-altering diagnosis, Deputy Cooper arranged for me to meet with Ralf. When I told Joe that the district wanted to bring Ralf on board while he fought his battle, both Joe and his wife were elated to know our campus would be in good hands.”
Edison shared that even on the worst days of his life, “Deputy Cooper did everything in his power to make sure we were taken care of.”
“I am deeply grateful for his friendship, guidance and leadership during our time together,” Edison said.
This past week, Cooper had resigned from the Geneva school board after his cancer diagnosis.
He had touched the lives of everyone in the Geneva Area City School District, from students to parents to educators and administrators.
His influence had been a steady presence, from his many years as a police officer and School Resource Officer and then, more recently, as a school board member.
He had been there whenever someone had been in need, ready and willing to serve the residents of his beloved Geneva.
At its Aug. 19th meeting, the school board accepted Cooper’s resignation with sadness.
Board members received a letter dated Aug. 19 in which Cooper stepped down from the board.
“It saddens me, but at this time I am going to have to resign from my position on the Geneva Area City School District’s Board of Education, effective Aug. 19, 2026,” he wrote. “I have had a recent cancer diagnosis and feel it would be best to focus all my energy and drive on my health and healing. I am going to fight this! I look forward to seeing where this board leads our district in the future. Thank you all. Respectfully, Joe Cooper.”
A few days later, school officials learned of his passing.
“Joe was a true advocate for students and staff at Geneva Area City Schools. He went out of his way to support kids, not only as an SRO, but also as a coach and board member. It was an honor to know Joe for as long as I did. There was no better representative or advocate for our schools, students, staff, and families than Joe. He will be deeply missed,” GACS Superintendent Dr. Paul A. Lombardo said.
Board President Michele Krieg shared a letter with the community.
“Officer Cooper, as we all knew him, was so much more than a valued board member. He was a husband, father, friend, dedicated servant to our community, and someone who cared deeply about our students, staff, families, and the future of our schools. His wisdom, kindness, compassion, and commitment made a lasting difference in so many lives throughout our community and the Geneva Area City School District,” Krieg wrote. “We are heartbroken by this loss, but incredibly grateful for the time we were blessed to share with Joe and for the countless ways he gave of his time, talent, and heart to our community. Joe never shied away from a difficult situation, a troubled student, or anyone who needed a helping hand. Hearing Boni refer to him as ‘my sweet Joe’ embodied everything that he was and described his most endearing qualities of servant leadership, compassion, and kindness.”
She wrote that their thoughts and prayers are with his family, Boni, Sarah and Andy, Michael and his grandchildren Oakley and Addie Mae, and other family and loved ones.
“Thank you, Joe, for your service, your friendship, and the lasting legacy you leave behind. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered,” Krieg wrote.
The night of the board meeting, before Cooper’s passing, board member Brock Pierson spoke of him.
“Joe Cooper, he’s one of the best men I’ve ever met in my entire life,” Pierson said.
Cooper was a new board member, having just been elected last Fall and sworn in this past January.
