Donald Albert Koop

Donald Albert Koop was born in Jamaica, N.Y. Moving several times as a child, his fondest memories were of Godeffroy, NY. He loved playing catch with his brother Doug and rooting for the Brooklyn Dodgers, the ONLY NY team in his opinion. While teaching himself to drive as a teen, pushed out the front of the garage with the family '52 Plymouth...his father was NOT happy! He graduated high school in Newton NJ, received his BS from the University of Connecticut (Go UConn!) and his PhD from the University of Maine. He then moved with his young family to Rochester, N.Y., where he worked over 30 years for Eastman Kodak Company. In his early working years, he played on the EK Chem Research Softball Team and was a volunteer ambulance driver. Retiring at age 55, he pursued his love of travel and attained his goal of all 50 states (many by Amtrak, his preferred method of travel) and all 7 continents! Later in life, he moved to Roanoke, Va. with his wife, Sharon, living in their dream home they designed and built. Of his many hobbies, he preferred working with his hands. A rehabber, meticulously keeping with the integrity of his homes. A woodworker, creating the perfect shelf for any given item. An avid photographer, oh, all the photos from one who worked at EKC! Working outside, caring for the cactus gardens and forever trying to have the perfect grass. He passionately spent years researching our family genealogy and was very active in promoting the Fair Tax. He also enjoyed family gatherings, camping, canoeing, hiking, watching and supporting the Olympics, visiting college classmates and EK softball buddies, and he loved Christmas! Never missing a family member's birthday, even those who were no longer with us, his Dad, Mom and brother Buddy, who was declared MIA when he was seven. Donald was predeceased by his second wife, Sharon, his half brother Lt. Chester ("Buddy") G. Koop, Jr. and distant cousin US Surgeon General C. Everett Koop. A loving father, survived by his children, David (Hollie), Michael, Christine (Scott) and Donna (Dave); grandchildren, Emily (Jay), Eric (Caitlin), Melinda (Dan), Trevor, Ashley, Daniel, Stephanie, Shannon, Dana and Samson; great grandchildren, Charlotte and Derek; siblings, Douglas (Constance) and Gary (Kathy); and many nieces and nephews. The family will have a small celebration at a later date. Thank you to all the exceptional people who took care of Dad. Donations in Donald's memory can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice. https://www.goodsam.care/giving/memorial-or-honor-donation/ Service Details.