John F. Cooper-Wildes, 60, died peacefully in his home in Billerica, Massachusetts, on Saturday, February 22, 2025.  Born in Beverly, Massachusetts, on September 26, 1964, the son of the late Diane (Tataronis) Smith and Stan Wildes.

John was very passionate about sports.  His attire, from head to toe, would represent any team he was currently excited about, especially his New England teams.  In his younger years, he was an avid runner and helped bring his school baseball team to the state championships as their star pitcher.  He also played field hockey on a girls' team in high school, and the local newspaper printed a picture of John in uniform, skirt and all.  His athleticism was matched by his devotion to serving others—he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a cook and first responder aboard the USS Paul (FF 1080) out of Mayport, FL. His commitment to his work continued as he later worked in demolition, briefly assisted his dad, and cooked in various restaurants.

John had three children, Travis, Cory, and Joslyn.  He loved his children very much no matter how far away they were.                  His life was marked by struggles with mental, physical, and health challenges, but he faced each with determination and resilience in the best way he knew how. Above all, John was known for his generosity and caring nature. He lived by the belief of paying it forward, always looking for ways to help others, especially his fellow veterans. Sometimes on cold winter nights he could be found befriending and helping the homeless.  He would keep them warm, clothe them, feed them, and simply love without hesitation.  John was also very passionate about music.  You could find him at his computer searching for a song or video that matches his mood.  He also used music to represent every event in his timeline of life.  He truly enjoyed seeing musicians live, and had been to concerts all over the world.

John is survived by his wife, Aharona Cooper-Wildes, and his children. He is also survived by his siblings, Lisa, Chad, and Jamie, and is predeceased by his sister, Julie.

A memorial gathering celebrating John's life will be held on May 10th, 2025 at Hampton Beach at sunset.  Future details will be posted on Facebook. 

In lieu of flowers, the I kindly requests donations to help cover John's final expenses.  Please make payment in John's memory to his wife, Aharona Cooper-Wildes https://everloved.com/life-of…">https://everloved.com/life-of…

John will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, and his selflessness in helping others.

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