Delaware Family Court remembers judge and community advocate

Judge Alan N. Cooper of the Delaware Family Court passed away on October 18, 2015. He was 63 years old.

Judge Cooper was a founding partner of Berkowitz, Schagrin & Cooper where he practiced family law for 20 years before being appointed to the bench in 2005 by then Governor Ruth Ann Minner.

Delaware Governor Jack Markell recognized Judge Cooper in a statement, “The death of Family Court Judge Alan Cooper is a tremendous loss for the State. He was willing to serve in the difficult and often thankless role of domestic violence liaison judge because he realized the necessity and importance of the work. He will be greatly missed.”

In addition to his work in private practice, Judge Cooper was a volunteer for Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, the Office of the Child Advocate, and the Victim’s Advocacy Program.

His dedication to public service and advocacy in the best interests of Delaware’s families was rewarded in 2002 when he received the Delaware Volunteer Legal Services Outstanding Pro Bono Service award.

“Judge Cooper was a special person. He approached each day of his difficult job as a Family Court judge with enthusiasm and passion and a gratitude for being able to make a difference,” said Supreme Court Chief Justice Leo E. Strine, Jr.

“Alan gave up one of the best practices in Delaware to become a judge because of his deep concern for families, and especially vulnerable children. His intelligence, patience, and skill as a judge greatly enhanced the reputation of our Family Court. We will all miss him immensely.”

He is survived by his wife, Nancy A. Cooper, to whom he was married for over 30 years, their 2 children, Andrew (29) and Justin (25), and his brother, Dennis P. Cooper.