Obituary of Peter M. Hooper
Peter M. Hooper
Age 78, of Eloy, AZ and formerly Chicago, Illinois passed from this life Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Banner Medical Center in Casa Grande after a valiant battle against Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).
Peter was born February 1, 1945, in Chicago where he was raised and educated. He was a graduate of St. Patrick's High School, class of 1963. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Lewis University, Peter continued his education at the University of Illinois at Chicago where he earned a Master's degree in Marketing.
He was employed for many years as a district manager for Hoover, primarily in Omaha and the Chicago land area. His other career, albeit seasonal, was spent at Addison and Clark in Chicago, where his trademark smile and outgoing persona served up a variety of cold beverages to thirsty baseball fans at the friendly confines.
Surviving is his wife of eight years, Lynn (nee Hauser) Hooper, and siblings Gregory (Kathy) Hooper and Mary Beth (Terry) Hooper-Young. He is also survived by his son Phillip (Laura) Hooper, stepchildren Madeleine DeBoer and Frank Bickel as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Hooper; his parents Bernice (nee Sceusa) and Sylvanus, three siblings Phillip Hooper, Beverly (George) Patterson, Patricia (Max) Mielecki and most recently his infant great-grandson, Sal.
Peter will be remembered for his passion for life, love of family and friends, and his courage and strength which was always there, but so apparent these last months as he bravely fought his disease. He had a passion for travel and felt fortunate to be able to visit 25 countries on 3 continents this past decade. His other hobbies included reading military history books, swimming, dancing, and jigsaw puzzles. If Lynn needed to find him, it was a safe bet that he was either in the pool swimming laps or at the library working on a puzzle.
A Memorial Gathering to honor Peter will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until a service of remembrance begins at 12:00 Noon at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road (at Essington Road) in Joliet.
The family has requested to livestream the services of their loved one on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. Please click on this link (https://youtube.com/live/DArStIYbBic?feature=share) and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers, and connection are.
As it was Peter's wish, cremation rites have been accorded and his final earthly remains will be inurned at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to The ALS Association, Arizona Chapter, 360 E. Coronado Road, Suite 140, Phoenix, AZ, 85004. www.alsaz.org
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
