Leonard P. Cooper

Leonard P. Cooper, of Worcester passed away in his home on Monday, August 14, 2017 at the age of 70. Leonard was born on May 11, 1947 in Worcester, Massachusetts and was preceded in death by his father Philip H. Cooper and his mother Alice Mable (Hazard) Cooper.  He was a graduate of Doherty Memorial High and received his Political Science and Government degree from the College of the Holy Cross.  Mr. Cooper was a local community activist.  He worked with a range of boards and committees, including the state Democratic Committee, the Worcester Community Labor Coalition, and the Worcester Jobs Fund.  He was the local president for NAACP in the mid-1980.  Lenny also helped start a “Free Breakfast for Children” program.  He was employed for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission for almost 40 years, during which he was successful in helping to increase the number of blacks and Hispanics promoted to middle and upper management. He also helped increased the participation of minority disabled people within the vocational rehabilitation process.  Lenny was the most generous, kind, open-hearted person. He dedicated his life to help others and serve the community. He was a unique person who will be missed dearly. He is survived by three sisters; Margo Sholtz , Cheryl Cooper  and Lois Nyako all of Worcester and many nieces and nephews .  Two brothers, Normand Coates and Vernon Henry Cooper and a sister Joanne Sholtz predecease him. A Memorial service for Mr. Cooper will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  There are no calling hours and burial will be held privately with the family. To share you memorable stories, photos or videos of Lenny, please visit his memorial page at: www. mercadantefuneral.com