Charlie Cooper, Beloved 52-1 District Court Magistrate, Dies

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ROYAL OAK, MI – A beloved 52-1 District Court magistrate has died.

Charles Y. Cooper, magistrate of 52-1 District Court in Novi, died Friday morning following a brief illness. He was 79.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 20, at William Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak.

The funeral Mass is set for 10:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 730 S. Lafayette in Royal Oak. Memorials to the Capuchins are suggestions.

Known as Charlie to family, friends and staff, Cooper’s presence in the district court was noticed by all.

“Charlie came to work every day with a smile on his face. No matter what was going on or how he was feeling, if you asked him how he was doing he would say, ‘Couldn’t be better,’” Alexandra Black, administrator of the 52-1 District Court, said in a news release.

“Charlie would never want anyone else to feel bad or worry,” Black said. “He will be remembered here at the court for his tremendous kind heart, his whistling in the hallways, and his everlasting sunny disposition which spread joy to all of us. He will be missed.”

Cooper, a Pleasant Ridge resident, began practicing law in January 1964 after graduating from law school at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he also earned his undergraduate degree.

He served as a municipal judge in Pleasant Ridge from 1972-1974. He also served as the prosecutor for the city of Novi for a number of years before becoming a magistrate of the 52-1 District Court in 2012. He was a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan.

Cooper is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann; four children, Shannon (Jeff) Wolf, John, Ann (John) Arends, and William; and five grandchildren Kathryn, Cooper, Charlie, William, and Elizabeth.