Born May 16, 1943, in Olean, New York, he was the son of Jack and Jeanne Weaver Cooper. On July 15, 1962, in Dowagiac, Michigan, he married the former Bonnie L. Ames, who survives.

Brian was a graduate of Bolivar Central School and the Cleveland Carnegie Institute of Medical Technology.

He began a 20-year career as a laboratory technician at St. Francis Hospital in Olean and later with Olean Medical Group. In 1990, he purchased and operated the Sugar Creek Store in Portville for ten years before retiring in 2000.

At the age of 50, Brian discovered a passion for auto racing, proving it is never too late to pursue a dream. He competed in the Dodge Neon racing series and raced alongside celebrities while living out west. Driving his Corvette, he also participated in historic races at Watkins Glen, Talladega, and Mid-Ohio.

Brian was adventurous by nature and earned his pilot's license, even rebuilding an airplane himself before flying his family on a memorable trip out west. Locally, he enjoyed snowmobiling with the Trail Blazers Club, hunting, fishing, and membership in the Oil Producers Association. He also enjoyed scuba diving and was known for bringing home lobsters to share with his family. Brian was a social member of the Kenyon Andrus Post 772 American Legion and belonged to numerous car and Corvette clubs.

In addition to his wife, Bonnie, he is survived by his son, Greg (Dolores) Cooper of Manhattan Beach, California; his daughter, Tammy (Mark Gedek) Raub of Canandaigua; grandchildren Travis (Kristin) Raub, Matthew (Stacy) Cooper, Amanda (Aaron) Snell, and Jacqui (Marc) Morgan; great-grandchildren Jack, Onyx, Kade, Ruth Marie, Griffyn, and Clayton; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Stephen Cooper, on November 5, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, Noon till 4:00 at the Lodge at Sunny Hill Campground, 7856 Messer Hill Rd. Bolivar, NY 14715 in conjunction with his brother's celebration.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Bolivar.