Senator James Robert Hooper

Former Maryland State Senator J. Robert "Bob" Hooper passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 24, 2008 from colon cancer. He was 71.

The son of the late J.M. Hooper and Virginia Phillips Haugh was born in Baltimore and grew up in Pylesville. He attended the old Highland Elementary School, and graduated from Bel Air High School. Soccer played an important role in his childhood. As a smaller boy, Hooper prided himself in his ability to keep up and play with the older boys because of his "hard-nosed" nature and dogged determination to win. He would continue to play throughout his life, and was instrumental in helping create Harford County's first youth Soccer League.

On September 1, 1954, with a little bit of financing and a lot of hard work, Hooper founded Harford Sanitation Services, Inc (HSS). Hooper grew the company from one truck and two employees to a company that boasts a fleet of over 50 trucks and employs nearly 120 people. Having operated for more than 50 years, HSS has become an easily recognized and well-respected business in the Harford County community.

In addition to running his business, Hooper was highly involved in state and local politics. In 1998, he was elected to the State Senate to represent the people of the 35th Legislative District. He was easily re-elected to that seat two more times in 2002 and 2006. Bob prided himself in being a Christian legislator, who focused on developing common sense solutions to today's problems. Amongst his legislative accomplishments were an act to require medical providers in Harford County to alert the authorities when they receive a patient with injuries inflicted by a deadly weapon, an act requiring for profit institutions of higher education to disclose that their degrees and credits may not easily transfer to traditional colleges, and an act establishing the first ever requirement that schools disclose contaminated water to parents. Prior to serving in the Senate, Hooper served two full terms on the Harford County Council representing District D.

Hooper's service to the community, however, was not centered around politics. He was an active member of Fawn Grove Church of the Nazarene, where he served on the church board and taught Sunday School. His strong faith and sense of duty also called him to participate in many work and witness trips to Central America and New York City following 9/11. Around Christmastime, it was not uncommon to see Bob outside Harford Mall ringing Bells for Salvation Army, whose Board he belonged to since 1985.

Believing in the value of providing our youth with a strong foundation, Hooper supported many organizations that provided positive outlets for our children. As an elected official, Hooper often bragged that his favorite part of the job was attending Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremonies. He truly believed in Scouting and the values it promoted. Each July, Hooper demonstrated his support of the 4-H program with his attendance at the livestock sale. Never one for spending too much, Hooper broke that rule at this event each year. He often bought a number of steer and hogs to support the 4-Hers and gave the meat to
his employees at HSS. Hooper also served as a volunteer in the Best Buddies and Big Brothers programs.

Other community organizations Hooper supported include: the Jaycees, Harford County Chamber of Commerce, the Route 40 Business Association, Mason-Dixon Business Association, and the Harford County Republican Club.

Hooper's life of service has been recognized and honored by many organizations. He is the recipient of the Knight's of Columbus Man of the Year Award, the Virginia Scotten Award, the Harford County Living Treasure Award and an Honorary Membership in the Maryland Student Legislature, a non-partisan organization that promotes active participation in the democratic process amongst college students.

He is survived by Shirley Hooper (nee Cullum), his wife of 50 years. The two were married on Christmas Eve 1957, because it was Shirley's favorite day of the year. In addition to his wife, Hooper is survived by his children Bobby and Terri Hooper of Street; Cindy and Ben Hushon of Delta, PA; Terrie and Mike Fraer of Abingdon; Scott and Tammy Hooper of Delta, PA; 6 grandchildren and 6 step-grandchildren; two brothers, David Hooper of Bel Air, MD and Ronnie Hooper of Street, MD; and one sister, Patty Bunce of Bel Air, MD.

Pallbearers will include Nick Whiteford, Ed Bonham, Charles Burman, Bobby Burman, Tim Smith, John Vickers and Scott Gibson. Honorary pallbearers will include Bobby Hooper, Scott Hooper, Mike Fraer, Ben Hushon, Ryan Fraer, Corey Fraer, Tim Hushon, Randy Cullum and Rocky Cullum.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:

1) The Salvation Army of Harford County
PO Box 309
Havre De Grace, MD 21078

2) The Harford County Extension Advisory Council
Attn: 4-H and Youth Programs
PO Box 663
Forest Hill, Maryland 21050

3) The Harford District of Boy Scouts of America
P.O. Box 212
Jarrettsville, Maryland 21084

4) The Highlands School Scholarship Fund
2409 Creswell Road
Bel Air, Maryland 21015