Norman S. "Norm" Cooper

Norman S. Cooper - Salem, NH

Norman “Norm” S. Cooper, born September 22, 1945 in Battle Creek, MI to Clyde and Katherine (Propes) Cooper, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2023.

A graduate of Union Township High School in Indiana, Class of 1964, Norm bravely served as a Sargent in the Vietnam War in 1966 and 1967. Those lucky enough to hear his stories of his time in Vietnam know he had exceptional instincts and led his men safely through dozens of encounters. He knew his was a lucky and blessed life. While enlisted, Norman met Harriet Diamond and after he was honorably discharged, the two married, living for a brief time in Indiana before settling in NH.

Norm and Harriet owned and operated Priscilla Candies of Lawrence, MA and Derry, NH for many years until their retirement in 2011. Fishing and hunting were always favorites of Norm’s.  He enjoyed traveling back to Indiana to share these past times with his family members.  In addition, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and playing 45’s with his family and friends.  Norman, a disabled veteran, was a member of the American Legion, the New Hampshire Bow Hunters Club in Manchester, NH, and the Ingram Senior Center in Salem, NH.  He also served as president of the New England Retail Confectioners Association where he received the Richard Gowell Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Norman was predeceased by his parents, brother Gary Cooper, and sister Norma Campbell.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Harriet, daughter Rhonda and her husband Steven Freitas of Salem, NH, daughter Karen Kiriazis of Ithaca, NY, 3 loved grandchildren Christopher and Zoe Kiriazis of Ithaca, NY, and Madelaine Freitas of Salem, NH, sister Barbra Fort and her husband Russell of Indiana, brother Ron Cooper and his partner Brenda Bryant of Indiana, sister in-law Joyce Cooper of Ohio, sister in-law Cynthia Diamond and her husband Robert Shorrock of California, sister in-law Anastasia Meletis and her husband George of Haverhill, MA, and many, many dear nieces and nephews.  Norman also leaves behind many close friends, especially Kimberly Burlingame of Ithaca, NY, and Joe and Lin Caido of Hudson, NH. 

Calling hours are Friday, July 28, 2023 from 2 – 3:30 PM at Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079.  A Celebration of Life will begin at the funeral home at 3:30 PM.  Burial in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, with Military Honors will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Make-A-Wish Foundation
Mail donations to: Make-A-Wish of America, 1702 East Highland Ave., Suite 400 Phoenix, AZ 85016 or donate online at Donate - Make-A-Wish Please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com for directions or to sign the online guest book.

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