Sam Cooper, Longtime Brea Official, Dies of Heart Attack at 66

Brea Mayor Pro Tem Sam Cooper, 66, a 20-year resident and longtime city official, died of a heart attack Wednesday afternoon--the day of his wife’s 63rd birthday.

Cooper suffered the attack at home and was taken to Brea Community Hospital, where he died about 3 p.m., said Diana Cooper, his wife of 43 years.

His death came as a shock to family and friends, who said the mayor pro tem had not complained of any health problems. Today, Cooper and his wife had been scheduled to leave for a vacation in Hawaii.

“It’s a great shock and a loss to the community,” Mayor Clarice Blamer said. “It’s very important for everyone to realize this is a man who gave of himself to the community. He really cared. What he did, he did with love.”

“My husband was a very caring person,” Diana Cooper said. “He would get calls seven days a week, and anytime people would call him, anytime of the day, he would be available.”

Cooper served two terms on the City Council from 1972 until 1980, serving as mayor from 1978 to 1979. Cooper was reelected to the council in 1982 and was elected mayor pro tem one year ago.

As next in line in Brea’s rotation system, he was due to become mayor again on Nov. 19.

“Sam’s big dream was to be mayor of Brea again,” said friend Richard Collender.

Besides his wife, Cooper is survived by two daughters, Maureen Goose and Karen Eisenberg, and four grandsons.

Visitation will be held today at the Cooper home, 1350 Arrowwood Drive in Brea, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Burial services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Mount Olive of Harbor Lawn Memorial Park in Costa Mesa.

The Cooper family said donations can be made to the newly formed Sam Cooper Memorial Fund.