MANCHESTER -- Russell "Russ" Cooper, 51, died Aug. 28, 2009, at Massachusetts General Hospital after a sudden illness. He was born in Manchester on June 18, 1958, to Harvey and Dorothy (Brendle) Cooper. He was raised and educated in Manchester and graduated from West High School in 1976. He then graduated from New Hampshire College in 1979. After college, he briefly worked in banking before returning to his true passion as a chef. He married Leslie Lavoie in Bedford on Feb. 24, 1979. He attended the South Main Street Church with his family. He was an avid Red Sox fan and had an extensive collection of Red Sox memorabilia. He also enjoyed attending the Monarchs games in Manchester and cooking at home. He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Cooper. His family includes his wife of 30 years, Leslie Cooper of Manchester; his mother, Dorothy Cooper of Manchester and his beloved dog; Autumn. SERVICES: Calling hours will be on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Goodwin Funeral Home, 607 Chestnut St. The funeral will be on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Matt Kantrowitz will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 attn: Contribution Services. Please visit goodwinfh.com to sign the online guest book.