LAKEHURST – A founding member of the Lakehurst Historical Society and former councilman is being remembered for his dedication, good humor, and the way he gave of himself to the causes he loved.
Sidney James Hooper, 77, of Lakehurst, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6.
Hooper spent nearly his entire life in Lakehurst. He was a civil engineer for the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Outside of work, he was one of the founding members of the Historical Society and served on the Lakehurst Borough Council from 2009 to 2011. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Lakehurst, the Hook & Hoof Hunting Club and the Ground Swipers Rod and Gun Club.
It was his love of the outdoors that close friends and family recalled. He made lifelong friends – and lifelong memories – while hunting and fishing. He was known for passing his love of nature on to the youth in his family.
“To those who knew him best, Sid will be remembered less for the titles he held than for the man he was,” his obituary read. “He had an outgoing personality that could make anyone feel welcome, a quick sense of humor that was never far away, and a stubborn streak that only reflected how deeply he cared about the people and things that mattered most to him. If someone needed a helping hand, Sid was often the first to offer it. He was genuine, down to earth, and happiest when surrounded by family and friends.”
He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie Hooper; his sons, Sidney James Hooper Jr. and his wife, Kimberlee, and their children, Matthew and Logan; and Christopher Hooper and his wife, Amy, and their son, Christopher. He is also survived by his sister, Sandra Burton, and brother-in-law, Cal Burton; his nephews, Calvin Burton, his wife, Jackie, and their daughter, Fallon; and Dave Burton, his wife, Julie, and their son, Chris.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, August 11, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Oliverie Funeral Home, 2925 Ridgeway Road, in Manchester. The funeral service will be at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to The Cancer Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia give2.chop.edu/give/243741#!/donation/checkout or The New Jersey Veterans Network njvn.org or a favorite charity or cause of your own choosing.
