David Edward Cooper, 78, of North Andover, Massachusetts, and Holderness, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026. Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1948, David lived a life defined by service, leadership, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. He previously spent 26 years in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he and his wife of almost 48 years, Claudia, built a home and became part of a close-knit community.

David graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and began his career with the U.S. General Accounting Office (now the U.S. Government Accountability Office), an agency of the United States Congress. He was deeply proud of his lifelong career at GAO, beginning in the Washington, D.C., field office where he evaluated a wide range of military and civilian programs. As his career progressed, he moved to GAO headquarters in Washington and became a recognized expert in military acquisition and management issues. He eventually became a Director in the Acquisition & Sourcing Management Team. While maintaining those responsibilities, he relocated to Massachusetts to simultaneously serve as Manager of the Boston Regional Office. Throughout his distinguished career, David received numerous awards and honors. Yet the recognition he valued most came from his colleagues, many of whom described him as an exceptional leader, coach, mentor, and friend.

Above all else, David cherished time with family and friends. He loved life on the water, first boating at Lake Anna, Virginia, and later spending treasured summers at his beloved cottage on Squam Lake in Holderness, New Hampshire. He found great joy in caring for others, whether working on the property and gardening alongside his children, driving loved ones to doctor's appointments, welcoming visiting family and friends as an enthusiastic tour guide, mowing an elderly neighbor's lawn, or delivering an early morning cup of coffee to a friend on the dock. A gifted handyman, David enjoyed tackling construction projects of every size and took pride in creating and improving the places he called home. David also loved to travel, especially with his wife, Claudia, and with many dear family members and friends who shared in his adventures over the years.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Claudia Cooper; his children, Tom Cooper and wife Barbara of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Susan Shelton and husband Mark of Deltaville, Virginia; Brent Cooper and wife Kyle of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; and Geoff Cooper and wife Samantha of North Andover, Massachusetts. He was the proud grandfather of Kyle, Rachel, Abigail, Elizabeth, and Joel. David is welcomed into heaven by his grandson, Grayson.

He is also survived by his brother, Ron Cooper and wife Cathy of Port St. Lucie, Florida; his brother-in-law, Rick Gravino of Cheektowaga, New York; his sister-in-law, Shelley Lord and husband J. Merrill of Rye Beach, New Hampshire; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

David was predeceased by his brothers, Mike Cooper and Donald Cooper, and his parents, Allen and Marie Cooper.

David was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. His kindness, generosity, steady presence, and commitment to helping others touched countless lives. He leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, integrity, and love that will continue through the many people fortunate enough to have known him.

A memorial service celebrating David's life will be held on Friday, August 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam Street, Lexington, Massachusetts 02420. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to High Pointe Hospice House, 360 North Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830, or to Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam Street, Lexington, MA 02420.