Sherm Cooper, 85, of Allentown and formerly of Hamilton, died peacefully at home on November 30th after prolonged illness. A WW II merchant seaman veteran, Sherm was an amateur motorcycle racer during the 1950s, the 1953 National Motorcycle champion at Laconia and named to the Daytona 200 Wall of Champions Monument. He was also an instrument rated private pilot in the US and East Africa, and Co-founder of the Colorado 500, a Colorado based dirt bike charity since 1975. During his business career he owned Cooper Cycle Ranch, Rt. 33, Hamilton, NJ and was known for his extensive travels around the world by motorcycle until 2008, including 80K+ miles in Africa 1975-1983. He was an active member of local business organizations and served as President of 200 Club of Mercer County, The Association for Retarded Citizens, and the National Industry Council of Motorcycle Dealers. After retiring his business in 1997 he attended Mercer County Community College and remained active as an independent airport representative for numerous international tour companies.

He leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Barbara Fox-Cooper; four children, Ruth Guenther of Nanticoke, PA, Roger & Marty Cooper of Yardville, James Cooper of Hamilton, and Scott & Nydia Cooper of Pasadena, CA.; three stepchildren, Michael & Maria Fox of Grand Chute, WI, Doug & Carol (Fox) Shaltis of Florence, NJ and Patrick & Valinda Fox of Westbrook, CT and a daughter-in-law, Patti Cooper, Cream Ridge, NJ. He was predeceased by two sons, J. Sherman Cooper, III of Cream Ridge, NJ and Barry Cooper of Blacksburg, VA. His family includes 15 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and a large family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Viewing hours will be held Saturday 1-3pm and 6-8pm at Peppler Funeral Home, 114 South Main Street, Allentown. A memorial service will be conducted by Rev. Patrick Connor, SVD on Sunday at 1 pm. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Central New Jersey, 176 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701.