Stephen D. Cope | Computer analyst, 85

Stephen D. Cope, 85, formerly of Springfield, Delaware County, a retired computer analyst and civic activist, died of a stroke Wednesday at Kendal at Longwood, a retirement community in Kennett Square.

A native of Upper Darby, Mr. Cope graduated from Friends Central School and earned a bachelor's degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps and was an aviation instructor in the States. In 1943, while in the service, he married Katherine Linn.

After his discharge he worked in the payroll departments of several local companies including RCA, and in the 1960s learned early mainframe computer technology. For 20 years, until retiring in 1987, he was a computer systems analyst for the Philadelphia School District.

He loved trains, his son Stephen Jr. said, and filled several rooms with his collection of standard gauge models.

Mr. Cope was a former member of the Zoning Hearing Board in Springfield Township, where he and his wife lived for 50 years. He moved to Kendal at Longwood after her death in 2005.

He was a member of the Society of Friends.

In addition to his son, Mr. Cope is survived by son Craig, and three grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Toppitzer Funeral Home, 2900 State Rd., Drexel Hill. Friends may call from 10 a.m. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill.