Obituaries

In Memoriam: Rumson-Raised RFH 2011 Grad, Artist, Skateboarder, Musician, Thomas ‘Cooper’ Ley, 30

“You gave no one a last farewell, nor ever said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why. A million times we will miss you. A million times we will cry. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still, in our hearts you hold a place no one else can fill.” 

It is with tremendous sorrow that the Ley family announces the unexpected passing of Thomas Cooper Ley on Jan. 11 — a beautiful soul taken too soon. 

Born in Red Bank on March 10, 1993, Cooper was raised in Rumson. He attended Deane-Porter elementary and Forrestdale middle schools and graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) in 2011. After RFH, he studied at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. 

“Renowned for his artwork, piano playing, and skateboarding, everyone knew Cooper to have a creative, fearless, and gentle soul — marching to the beat of his own drum. His intuition and deep thinking were inspiring and
contributed to his endless talents.

“He was and still is a much-loved son, brother, cousin, and friend.” 

Cooper was preceded in death by his mother, Fair Haven-raised RFH graduate, Daryl Cooper Ley. 

Those left to carry on and share his legacy are: his father, Thomas Ley; his sisters, Adrienne Ley O’Connell and Rebecca Ley; his brother, Benjamin Ley; his grandmother, Teddie Caulfield, “Mummum;” and his supportive aunts, uncles, cousins, and wonderful friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial service from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1, at Tower Hill Church, 255 Harding Road, Red Bank. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to be made to any or all of the following organizations: Jersey Shore Rescue Mission of Asbury Park, The Art Therapy Project, Ukulele Kids Club, Art Van Program. 

— obituary, Adrienne Ley O’Connell

** A tribute will be published before the funeral. Rest In Peace, Cooper. You are remembered. **