Benefit for Beloved Firefighter's Wife, Children Takes Place Saturday

MATTITUCK, NY — The community will come together Saturday at a benefit to help the family of a beloved Cutchogue Fire Department lieutenant lost too soon.

Jason R. Cooper of New Suffolk died suddenly on June 7. He was 47 years old.

The benefit and concert will take place Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Strong's Marine, located at 2255 Wickham Avenue.

Proceeds will benefit Cooper's family. "Jason served in the U.S. Navy and for the past 18 years served with the Air National Guard. Jason was a volunteer with the Cutchogue Fire Department and a member of Mattituck Presbyterian Church. To remember his beautiful life and help his loving wife and three children, we are asking for your generous support," organizers said.

Checks should be made payable to Mattituck Presbyterian Church, memo, "Cooper Family."

Strong's Marine will match up to the first $10,000 in donations. Wendy's Deli is also helping Strong's Marina sell raffle tickets; tickets cost $20 for 5.

Guests should bring lawn chairs; BBQ will be available for purchase.

Cooper has been remembered as a loving, kind man devoted to his family and to the community he served.

"He was an awesome person," said friend at MPC Rory MacNish, who said his heart went out to Cooper's family. "I rode motorcycles with him. He did so much more for his church family and friends."

Patch courtesy photo.