Richard Bertram Cooper

Richard B. Cooper Jr., 78, of Harwich Port, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 24, following a motor vehicle accident.

He was a native of Wayland, MA, and a long-time resident of Harwich Port, touching fondly many people with his thoughtfulness and generosity.

He was a graduate of North Yarmouth Academy in Maine and attended Northeastern University in Boston. He later joined the Navy and proudly served on the Mediterranean Fleet's flagship the USS Little Rock from 1970-74.

He became a computer systems expert and stayed in the San Jose, CA area, working for several computer companies. After coming back east he lived in Harwich Port and enjoyed volunteering for the Harwich Conservation Trust. He believed in their efforts to save and protect land, putting his many computer and carpentry skills to good use.

He was a mentor to many college students from Eastern Europe, providing housing and welcome advice and assistance, and some of them became lasting friends. He always said he was grateful to be able to repay the many kindnesses shown him in his overseas travels.

He was an avid runner, competing with local clubs and ran the New York City Marathon. His many motorcycle trips and dirt bike exploits were legendary and he even completed the Pikes Peak race.

He leaves a brother, Jeffrey Cooper and his wife Kathy of Sturbridge, MA; sister Janice Zwicker and her husband Lee of Newburyport, MA; nephew Carl Zwicker of Wakefield, MA; niece Rebecca Parmeter, her husband Seth, and great-nephew David Parmeter, also of Newburyport.

Interment will be in Bourne National Cemetery, Bourne, MA; services are private.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be very appreciative of donations to the Harwich Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 101, South Harwich, MA, or a charity of your choice.