Obituary: Ivan A. Cooper

Ivan A. Cooper

Oct. 20, 1928 – Sept. 9, 2026

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Ivan A. Cooper, formerly of Lewiston; Wyomissing, Pennsylvania; and Niceville, Florida; passed away peacefully at his home in Richmond, Virginia, on Sept. 9, 2026, with his family by his side. He was 97.

Ivan is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jean (née Zehner); special sister-in-law, Linda Diehm; his children: Brian Cooper (Meg), Cynthia Edelman (Paul), Cheryl Dawson (Nelson), Diane Schuj (Marty) and Greg Cooper (Racquel); as well as 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy.

Ivan was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Korean War. Also a proud alumnus of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, Ivan became a successful restaurateur, notably establishing the former landmark restaurant, Ye Olde Ironmaster, in Reading, Pennsylvania, which he and his family owned and operated from 1963 until 1990.

After meeting his future wife, Ivan developed a life-long passion for tennis. He instilled this passion in his children, and subsequently in friends and strangers as a part-time USPTA-certified tennis professional. Upon retiring from the restaurant industry and moving to Florida, he played tennis year-round and inspired many with his almost-daily backboard workouts that continued into his 90s.

Retirement allowed Ivan to rediscover a passion for woodworking. He became a master craftsman, producing a variety of projects in his workshop, in addition to the Christmas gifts he meticulously designed and painstakingly crafted in recent decades for all five of his children. His wood-crafted pieces will be treasured keepsakes for generations.

Ever the gentleman, Ivan was a loving and revered husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a self-taught man of many talents and will be most remembered for his discipline, inventiveness, hard work, kindness, integrity, quick wit and warm smile.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at Bliley’s Funeral Home, 8510 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, Virginia, on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2-4 p.m., with sharing of remarks and memories at 2:30 p.m. Casual – even colorful – attire is welcome.

The family would like to thank Kevin Angone of Three Pillars Senior Home Care for his unwavering support and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to The American Cancer Society or The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“A life well lived is a life never forgotten.”