Obituary of Howard J. Cope

Mr. Howard J. Cope, 96, of Erie, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2015, at 7:05PM at the Golden Living Center – Walnut Creek. Howard was born on January 29, 1918 in Berwick, PA to the late Ollie E. and Grace P. Fedder Cope. He graduated from Berwick High School, Class of 1936. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps having served during WWII. He entered the service on October 6, 1942 and was honorably discharged on November 8, 1945 with the rank of Platoon Sergeant. Howard married Jane Hess on June 27, 1946 in Berwick, PA. She preceded him in death on October 15, 2002. He was first employed by American Car & Foundry Co. He was later the Assistant Vice President at First National Bank of Berwick, PA for twenty-seven years, retiring in 1983. He belonged to the Titusville Rotary Club, Berwick Kiwanis Club, Defender Fire Company of Berwick, Advisory Council of Salvation Army of Berwick, Red Cross Volunteer in Berwick, and Junior Chamber of Commerce in Berwick. Howard is survived by his two sons, David Cope and wife Karen of Erie, and Rev. Timothy Cope and wife Patsy of Tioga, PA; two grandsons, Matthew Cope and wife Anna, and Noah Cope; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and infant daughter, Katherine Deane Cope. A memorial service will be held on January 31, 2015 at 11:00AM at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 3108 Sterrettania Road, Erie, PA 16506, with Rev. Scott Maxwell officiating. Inurnment will be at Market Street Cemetery in Berwick, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to Titusville Rotary Club, 110 W. Spring Street, Titusville, PA 16354, or to Berwick Defender Fire Company, 204 East 6th Street, Berwick, PA 18603.