Joseph “Jerry” Cooper, of Roman Road, Bethnal Green, passed away on 25 February 2015 after a short battle with kidney failure. Jerry was aged 91.
The grandfather-of-two, who spent some of his early years at Norwood’s Jewish Orphanage with his brother Judah, was a licensed London taxi driver for more than three decades until he retired in the 1990s.
Jerry and his late wife Sadie, who passed away in 2009, were dedicated volunteers for the London Taxi Drivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children and the London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled.
A decorated Second World War veteran, Jerry was a member of the East Lancashire Regiment and served in France, Germany, Holland, Palestine and Egypt.
Leanne Ehren, Jerry’s granddaughter, says: "Jerry was a popular and well known cabbie in the East End and dedicated his life to helping those less fortunate than himself. He was always a great storyteller and would happily spend hours telling his war stories to anyone who would listen."
Prior to being a taxi driver, Jerry worked in retail in numerous East End hotspots, including Petticoat Lane and Brick Lane. He was also a trained electrician and drove delivery lorries for Marella pickles.
Later in life Jerry became a carer for his wife, who went blind, and could often be seen pushing her around in a wheelchair along Brick Lane’s cobbled streets. The pair were also frequent visitors of Stepney Jewish Community Centre.
Jerry leaves his two children Marilyn and Ivor, and two grandchildren Kimberley and Leanne.