The entire Trinity-Pawling community is deeply saddened by the death of former faculty member and coach William “Bill” Cooper P’75, P’79.
Bill was a dedicated member of the Trinity-Pawling faculty from 1956-1981. During his 25 years of service to the School, Bill served as an admired teacher, advisor, administrator, mentor, and coach. Among his many roles on campus, Bill served as Head of the Mathematics Department, Head of the Disciplinary Committee, Head Coach for varsity hockey (which included leading the team to a Housatonic Championship), and Assistant Coach for varsity baseball. In 1970, Bill also founded Pawling Youth Hockey, which continues to be a cherished program in our local community.
Bill was inducted into the Trinity-Pawling Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003, along with his 1979 hockey team (in recognition of their outstanding 18-1-1 record), and again in 2018 for his long tenure as an outstanding coach.
When he spoke to those in attendance at his 2018 Hall of Fame induction, he reminded everyone that “you can come home again.” Indeed, Bill’s life and legacy have enriched the lives and learning of so many over the years who have called Trinity-Pawling their School and their home. His impact was indelible.
Bill has touched the lives of many people in this community and the wider Pawling community. Specifically, he worked to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the many young men he taught and coached at Trinity-Pawling. He will always be remembered for his knowledgeable, dedicated, and respectful teaching and coaching style.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill’s family and friends.
You may read his obituary here.