Paul Raymond Cope

Paul Raymond Cope, 97, of Landisville, passed away on March 13, 2015 at Susquehanna Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Amos H. and Ernestine R. Godshalk Cope.

A 1934 graduate of Landisville High School, Paul worked at various jobs until June 19, 1941 when he entered the US Army. He proudly served the duration of World War II in New Guinea maintaining vehicles and equipment. On October 4, 1942, while on leave, he married Elnora Barge Cope, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage before her passing in 2008.

Returning home in December 1945, Paul was employed by Daffin Machine Company, selling diesel engines. He left to start his own business, an automobile repair shop in Lancaster. In 1950 with partner Carl Weaver, he opened Cope & Weaver Company, an International Harvester farm equipment dealership located in Willow Street and later in New Providence. A few years after closing the business in 1982, Paul decided retirement was for other people. He and Elnora became the lawn and landscape maintenance crew at their apartment complex for several years, finally retiring for good in the late 1990’s.

Paul was a long time faithful member of the Salunga Church of the Brethren and Hempfield Church of the Brethren where he was involved in many ministries. He was the charter Moderator of the Hempfield Church.

Surviving is a son, Joe B. husband of Deanna Deleon Cope of Waldorf, Maryland, a daughter, Judith Ann wife of Robert L. Sterner of Downingtown, a son Paul B. “Pete” husband of Cynthia Swarr Cope of Mount Joy, six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by two brothers Harry R. and Roy G., and one sister Grace G. Cope.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his memorial service at the Hempfield Church of the Brethren, corner of Stevens Street, and Metzler Road, East Petersburg, on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 2:00PM with Pastor Pete Kontra officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday afternoon at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family in Landisville Reformed Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers you may send contributions in Paul’s memory to the Hempfield Church of the Brethren Memorial Fund, P. O. Box 246, East Petersburg, PA 17520.