Norwood Assistant General Manager, Bernard Cooper, Dies

NORWOOD, MA — Norwood town officials and residents are grieving the loss of Assistant Town Manager Bernard Cooper. Town officials said Cooper died Sunday night.

Cooper served as the right-hand man for both General Manager Tony Mazzucco and Board of Selectmen Chairman Bill Plasko. In a statement published by the pair, Cooper was called "the heart and soul of Norwood. He is everything we know and love about Norwood."

The cause of death was not released. Officials said they will keep residents updated about any arrangements or remembrances.

The full statement reads:

"To All, it is with great sadness that I have to let you know that our friend Bernie Cooper passed away last night. He leaves behind Connie and his four children Sam, Alisha, Josh and Amelia and her husband Michael.

Bernie is the heart and soul of Norwood. He is everything we know and love about Norwood. While many of us will mourn the loss of a colleague and a dedicated public servant, I know I am among many mourning the loss of a beloved friend. Bernie and I had become such close friends, attached at the hip six days a week. From first thing in the morning to walking out to our cars together at night, the number of times we talked and saw each other throughout the day was probably over a hundred. Calls in the evening, early morning, every weekend and most holidays. During all of the storms, all of the meetings, the lunches with Tom (McQuaid), Bernie was always there. I'll miss his smile and his friendly attitude, his advice and his knowledge, but most of all, his good nature - Bernie simply was the absolute best a human being could be. Bernie has been my rock since coming to Norwood, and he was John Carroll's before that. When I spoke to John last night, he said his heart was completely broken; I think we all share in that immense broken-heartedness. We've lost a wonderful person, a dedicated employee, and I have lost a best friend. Bernie means the world to so many of us, and the coming days and months will be hard for all of us.

To Connie, Sam, Alisha, Josh, Amelia and Michael, we grieve with you in the loss of your husband and father. While a family always knows a person the best and closest, Bernie is such an important part of so many of our lives and has impacted so many people. We are grateful that you shared him with us and with Norwood. Our whole community shares in your sorrow, and we hope we can comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time."