Charles N. Cooper

NORFOLK – With profound sadness, we announce that Charles Neilson Cooper, age 89, died on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Charles was born on July 13, 1935, in Norfolk, Va. to Dudley Cooper and Mary Miller Cooper. He was raised in Norfolk alongside his older brother, Joel Cooper, developing deep roots in the community that would become his lifelong home. He attended Taylor Elementary School and graduated from Norfolk Academy in 1953, where he exhibited an early talent as an essayist, serving as editor of the yearbook, and excelled on both the football and tennis teams.

Charles continued his education at the University of Virginia, earning a BA in history in 1957 and distinguishing himself as an honor society member. His leadership qualities were recognized through his participation in the ROTC program as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He earned his law degree at Columbia University in 1962, joining the Phi Delta Phi honor society.

Charles proudly served in the Army on active duty and reserve, 1957-1965. He was stationed at Ft. Sill, Okla. and later Ft. Knox, Ky., eventually achieving promotion to 1st Lieutenant.

Following his education, Charles built a 50-plus-year career as an attorney, specializing in estate and tax law and commercial real estate. Charles approached his legal practice with the same meticulous attention to detail and foresight that characterized all aspects of his life, earning him the respect of clients and colleagues alike.

In 1997, at the age of 64, Charles began a “second career,” taking over management of family real estate corporation Cooper Realty and was soon joined in leadership by his sons, Erik and Jeff. Charles’ legal expertise and seasoned ability to interact with investors and local authorities proved instrumental in the firm’s growth throughout Virginia. His dedication to the company remained steadfast as he continued to come to work every day into his late 80s.

In December 1956, Charles met Bettie Minette Switzer on a blind date set up by Charles’ brother in New York City, and he quickly fell in love. They married on June 22, 1958, in Vicksburg, Miss., beginning a loving partnership that spanned 66 years.

They started married life in New York and later settled in Norfolk in 1962, where they established their permanent home. They were blessed with three children: Brooke (Babette) Cooper, Erik (Betsy) Cooper, and Jeff (Allison) Cooper. Charles took immense pride in his role as father and cherished his time spent with them and later with his seven grandchildren: Hannah, Tanhen, Kacey, Rena, Rachel, Nathan and Ryan. He was also a constant presence in the lives of his brother’s children: Wendy Cooper (deceased), John (Monica) Cooper, Kate (Barry) Augus, and their children, and it brought him great joy to share in their everyday moments and milestones.

Charles and Minette created a home filled with tradition, purpose, and unwavering commitment to one another. Charles often served as the family correspondent, keeping strong connections with his many cousins and their families across generations. Their home naturally became the epicenter of family gatherings and celebrations.

Throughout his life, Charles pursued various interests and hobbies with passion, particularly enjoying sharing them with family and friends. He was an avid fisherman and boater, owning a succession of vessels both small and large throughout his life, and passed along his nautical skills to his children.

Charles was a prodigious reader with a particular interest in history, especially military and war history. He spent countless hours immersed in historical accounts and shared his knowledge generously with others.

Charles and Minette shared a love of travel, exploring the world together and with their children. They believed in the importance of broadening horizons through travel experiences and sought to introduce their family to different cultures and perspectives.

Known for his hospitality, Charles delighted in hosting dinner parties featuring delicious wine selections. Guests could always count on him to enliven gatherings with entertaining stories and his repertoire of “shaggy dog” jokes.

Charles was deeply involved in his community, dedicating time and energy to numerous organizations throughout Hampton Roads. Over the years, he offered his expertise in corporate, tax, and fundraising counsel to various causes that aligned with his values. He and Minette were recognized for their generous contributions to educational, cultural, and charitable organizations across the region.

Of particular importance to Charles was his role as a founding director of the Tidewater Legal Aid Society. He chaired the Norfolk Junior Chamber of Commerce’s 1964 and 1968 voter registration campaigns, which successfully doubled Norfolk’s electorate. Charles was president of Community Concerts in the 1960s and also served as a longtime trustee of Norfolk Academy and played a key role in establishing the Old Dominion University Institute for Jewish Studies & Interfaith Understanding.

As a longtime director of the Greater Norfolk Corporation and a member of the Norfolk Mayor’s Downtown Advisory Committee, Charles demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the region he called home.

A memorial service was held at Ohef Sholom Temple. The family requests memorial contributions to causes dear to Charles’s heart: Ohef Sholom Temple, Norfolk Academy, and ODU, The Institute for Jewish Studies & Interfaith Understanding.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.