NEW BEDFORD -- Harold "Coop" "Hal" M. Cooper Jr., 78, of South Dartmouth died unexpectedly Sunday, Feb. 22, 2004, at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the widower of Helen G. Cooper.
Born and raised in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Harold and Dora Cooper. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church.
Mr. Cooper was the founder and president of Cooper Insurance Agency in downtown New Bedford for more than 50 years.
He was a leader in the New Bedford community and was active in many local organizations, including the New Bedford Kiwanis Club, the Interchurch Council of Greater New Bedford, New Bedford Child & Family Services, the YMCA, Masons and the Country Club of New Bedford.
He was a graduate of the New Bedford public school system and Brown University. He served as a lieutenant junior grade in the Navy.
Survivors include two sons, Harry Cooper of South Dartmouth and Peter Cooper of Lisbon, Portugal; a daughter, Nancy Bennett of Jacksonville, Fla.; five grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and two brothers, Earle W. Cooper of North Dartmouth and Robert A. Cooper of Irving, Texas.
He was the father of the late Paula Cooper and Gary Cooper and brother of the late Ralph Cooper.
His memorial service will be held this summer at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Kempton St., New Bedford, Ma.
Remembrances may be made to the charity of one's choice.