Lawrence (Larry) R. Hooper Jr.

Saco

Lawrence (Larry) R. Hooper Jr., 82, of Saco, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, in Brunswick.

Larry was born in Biddeford on June 18, 1941, a son of Lawrence Hooper Sr. and Priscilla (Gigure) Hooper.  He was educated in the Saco school system and graduated from Thornton Academy, class of 1961.  He got his Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Management. He was the first in his family to get a college diploma, From Western Cascade University, through the Military.

Larry was in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1962. He was stationed at Ft. Devens, and Ft. Benning, Korea, and Augsburg, Germany.  While he was in the Army he started a Boy Scout troop in Augsburg. He was also on the U.S. Army Walking Team for the 110 mile Class, and was on the U.S. Olympic training team. His winning time was 39 hours and 51 minutes.

He resided the majority of his adult life in South Portland.  Larry was a devoted member of the Boy Scouts of America, The South Portland Police Constabulary , the American Legion, Southern Maine React, The American Red Cross, and the Disaster Action Team.  He had an impressive 20 years in Scouting, and was also the first Boy Scout to earn the state's Finger Print merit badge, in 1957.

Larry had his own business in the Portland and South Portland area in Residential Property Management.  Within just 18 months his company grew from 16th largest in the area to 4th, with roughly 1800 units under his administration.

After his retirement he started a new hobby helping young couples buy apartment houses. He assisted them look for good properties and would help them manage their properties if needed. Larry wrote a 168 page Residential Property Management Training Manual. Larry never charged anyone for the help he gave them. He was gifted in trouble shooting and problem solving, and he loved it.

Larry's second business was Hoopers Cards and Gifts.  His was the largest card shop in the Portland area, located on the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth line, with 27 card racks.

Larry sold his Property Management company (RPM), his Card shop, and his new home of 13 years to take his wife to Florida due to being terminally ill. She passed away after fifteen months.

Larry was very active in his community with numerous organizations. His extensive list includes the following:

1. Boy Scouts of America, Pine Tree Council, 1952 to 1958
2. Asst. Scout Master/Scout Master, Troop 38 Germany. 61-62.
3. Asst. Scout Master/Scout Master, troop 305, Bidd.1963-64.
4. Asst. Scout Master,, Pine Tree Council Cub Scouts Saco, 1965.
5. Asst. Scout Master, Saco, Maine Troop 310. 1964.
6. Training certificate for Commissioners from the Daniel Webster Council, Concord, N.H., 1965
7. Neighborhood Commissioner, Daniel Webster Council, 66 and 67.
8. Asst. District Commissioner, Pine Tree Council. 1968. All units on Peaks Island, In So. Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, and Cape Elizabeth.
9. Asst. District Commissioner, Four Cities, 1969 and 70.

Larry was also a member of the Southern Maine React, (an Emergency Public Service Organization) which had a service area that was from Bangor to Kittery.  The Southern Maine React teams main job was to monitor channel "9" of the C.B. Radio for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Larry was the president for 14 out of 17 years that he was a member.  Larry was also the first member of React to work with the Red Cross to implement the state's first Disaster Action Team.

Larry also was a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Instructor for about 17 years with the Boy Scouts and React, and a Basic First Aid Instructor for about 17 years.

When time permitted, Larry enjoyed scuba diving even in the waters of Germany and the five states of the United States.

Larry was awarded the Certificate of Merit for saving the life of his boss, by using C.P.R.  This was the highest award given by the American Red Cross for saving a life. This award was signed by the President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan.

Larry has written three Books/ Training Manuals.

1. Imports and Exports, a how to book.
2. Herbalife Distributor training manual.
3. Residential property management manuel.

Larry will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Larry is survived by his daughter Treasa M. King, his granddaughter Kristanna King, and his grandson James Norwood. He is also survived by his twin brother John R. Hooper his brother Russell D. Hooper, his niece Carrie Hooper, his nephew David Hooper, three great grandchildren, and several cousins.

At Larry's request, there will be no visiting hours or service at this time.  A celebration of Larry's life will be held at Little Ossipee Lake on the Big Rock, Waterboro at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, Contributions may be made in Larry's name to the Boy Scouts of America, Pine Tree Council, So. Portland.

To view Larry's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com