Jesse L. Cooper

CANAAN – Jesse L. Cooper, “Coop,” 44, of 62 New Street, passed away Thursday morning, Oct. 23, 2025. He was the longtime companion of Amy Labshere. Jesse and Amy shared almost 20 years together.

Born in Waterbury, Connecticut on Aug. 15, 1981, Jesse was the son of Lee A. and Beth (Maxwell) Cooper. A graduate of Oliver Wolcott Technical High School in Torrington, he was a skilled mechanic and welder who worked for Tru-Hitch in Torrington. Jesse was an automotive genius with a rare gift for seeing potential where others saw only scrap. He could breathe life back into any engine and took pride in restoring what others had given up on. Finding old cars in need of care and turning them into something remarkable was not just a hobby for him—it was his passion, craft, and calling.

He loved spending time with his daughter, Jasey Chevelle Cooper, his companion, Amy, and their dog, Precious. Metal detecting, watching scary movies with Jasey, and time spent with his family brought him the greatest happiness.

In addition to his mother and father and his companion, Amy, Jesse is survived by his loving daughter, Jasey Chevelle Cooper of Canaan; his stepson, Tristan Soule of Kent; his two sisters, Ann Cooper of Ellington and Trisha Cooper of Thomaston; his grandson, Clayton Soule of Kent; his niece, Morgan; and nephews, Aiden and Silas.

He is also survived by his father-in-law, Layne Labshere; his sister-in-law, Jessie Laine, and her husband, Kristopher Laine, and their children, Laynie, Reece, and Gunnar; and his brother-in-law, Joshua Labshere, and his wife, Julie Labshere, and their children, Callie and Cohen.

Jesse will be remembered for his strength, resilience, humor, and willingness to help his family with whatever they needed. He faced life’s challenges with courage and grace and found his greatest happiness in the love of his family. His memory will live on in all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Jesse’s life will be held on Sunday Nov. 16, 2025, at the Couch-Pipa VFW Post #6851 104 South Canaan Rd. Canaan, CT 06018 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made in Jesse’s memory to the North Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 178, Canaan, CT 06018. Arrangements are under the care of Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street, Canaan, CT 06018.