SAMUEL HOOPER JR., 50, TRENTON Home News Tribune Online 06/29/06 Samuel Hooper Jr., 50, died Tuesday, June 20, 2006, at St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton. He was born in New Brunswick, and resided in the Somerset area most of his life. He was a graduate of Franklin High School, Somerset, as well as Montclair State University and Rutgers University. He was the principal of Adult and Community Education and the director of security, crisis management and the Culture, Art, Recreation and Enrichment (CARE) Program for Franklin Township public schools. Mr. Hooper was employed by the Franklin Township Board of Education for 27 years. He was a former physical education teacher and coach at the Jamesburg Home for Boys, Jamesburg, and at Sampson G. Smith School, Franklin High School, Conerly Road Elementary School and Hillcrest Elementary School in Franklin. From 1997 to 2002, he was the assistant principal at Franklin High School. Mr. Hooper was a noted pillar of the Franklin Township community. He was an educator, teacher, mentor and a father figure for many young people. He has left a remarkable legacy as a stellar educator and highly sought-after mentor. He was predeceased by his father, Samuel Sr. He is survived by his wife, Zenobia Denise Hooper of Trenton; two sons, Samuel III and Sheldon Julius, both of Trenton, for whom he was a devout, loving and caring father who courageously and single-handedly raised his sons. He also leaves his loving mother, Mary Frances Hooper of Somerset; two brothers, Melvin and his wife, Carolyn, of Middletown and Gary and his wife, Angela, of Easton, Pa.; two sisters, Marilyn of Somerset and Bernice of Virginia; three devoted nieces, Darla Price of Virginia, Devin Price, RN, of Philadelphia, Pa., and Brianna Rose of Easton, Pa.; a dear aunt, Mildred Hooper of Somerset; and a host of relatives and friends. The Homegoing Ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 1, at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, 771 Somerset St., Somerset. Calling hours will be 11 a.m. to noon, immediately followed by the memorial service at noon. Repast will follow in the church fellowship hall. Cremation and graveside services will be privately held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Funeral Service, New Brunswick.