Unsung Hero #322

Ed Simek writes:

I’ve been going to Cooper’s Auto Parts for years. Recently, I needed to fix a broken rear view mirror. As usual, Sandy was happy to research the part number, and ordered a replacement.

It arrived in several days, and was installed by someone Sandy relies on for such things. Not only did we save some money, but there was no need for me to make a trip to the dealer.

Sandy at Cooper’s Auto Parts. (Photo/Ed Simek)

Sandy has served Westport car owners at his Post Road (across from Stop & Shop) location for over 50 years. He greets  customers with a great smile and positive attitude. If the store isn’t busy and time permits, he may come out to your car and help install such things as windshield wiper blades, bulbs, etc.

He’s also a wealth of automotive information that he happily shares with you.

In my opinion he is a solid candidate for Unsung Hero.

Sandy was honored as an Unsung Hero almost to the day, 4 years ago. But no good deed should go unnoticed. He‘s certainly worth another shout-out!

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24 responses to “Unsung Hero #322

  1. Martin W Gitlin

    I agree with Ed. Sandy is the best!

  2. Susan Siegelaub Katz

    Agreed! One of my absolute favorite people and a wonderful resource of knowledge, helpfulness, and kindness. Makes you want to replace your wiper blades just to see Sandy again..

  3. I couldn’t agree more, Ed! Thanks for taking the time and trouble to put a spotlight on Sandy. Cooper’s Auto Parts is my go-to place not only for auto supplies but for advice. Sandy has installed windshield wipers for me, recommended what type of all-weather tires to buy, etc. He’s truly an “unsung hero.”

  4. Michael Calise

    Sandy is irreplaceable.!!!!

  5. Sandy and his Cooper Auto are the best.. He is old School.. Will provide information and help even when he doesn’t make a sale. We have been a happy customer for 30+ years. Glad he is recognized again as a an unsung hero!

  6. Diana Pils Marino

    I totally agree! Sandy is awesome and has helped me for years. He gets my vote too!!

  7. Sandy never ceases to amaze.
    More than half a century?!
    Wow

  8. Terry Brannigan (Sr)

    One of my favorite spots! I’ve known Sandy since I turned 16 and I think he can still tell me every car I have owned since getting my DL. GREAT CHOICE! (BTW: He should walk accross the street and teach a class in customer service to the S&S team!)

  9. Sandy is the man! He is the poster child for why we should be supporting local businesses.

  10. I agree 110% Sandy can help with anything. I have a 18 year old pick-up. The roof lining was separating from the ceiling and I asked Sandy if he had spray glue to hold up the lining. He reached behind the counter and handed me a thumbtack and said, “Buy a box of these and that will take care of your problem.” Worked perfectly and added class to my cab. Bravo to Sandy.

  11. Sandy is a great guy, and a great help. He’s been my go-to for parts for my classic cars for years.

  12. Sandy!

  13. Mickey Herbst

    Sandy is a Westport treasure. His advice kept my 1964 Tbird running great over the 40 years I owned it. You grandpas out there also need to check out the inventory of Hess Trucks. They are everywhere in that place, and the choices are amazing.

  14. Andrew Colabella

    A great mom and pop Westport shop enduring the corporate wave. Always has the odd thing you are looking for that your vehicle needs.

    He also had the best fireworks 🤫🤣

  15. As Sandy would say – “OK Boss!” Sandy took care of my father and his various car needs in the 70s (!) and he is there for me too. Definitely in the local treasure category.

  16. Mark Andrew Demmerle

    Definitely an unsung hero

  17. David Squires (Staples ‘75)

    Talk about one of the few remaining unchanged spots in town… I’ve had the pleasure of shopping at Coopers, and picking Sandy’s brain since the mid 70’s, while fixing up a pair of 63 Ford Falcons with my best friend (Now a Brain Surgeon ). Don’t believe iEver stumped him with a question he couldn’t answer. He’s like the Energizer Bunny ….just keeps on tickin’!
    Keep On Truckin Man. And oh yeah, THANKS!!!

  18. Cooper’s Auto Parts and Sandy have been a Westport institution for as long as I can remember… and I’m definitely “old school”! Sandy is knowledgeable, he’s fun to talk to, and his store is a veritable cornucopia of automotive goodies. I can’t think of a better way to get a taste of what Westport used to be.

  19. Catherine Calise

    Sandy is the ABSOLUTE BEST!! No issue is too big or too small for Sandy, he gives you his time and attention and always with a Smile. Sandy is a treasure! Thank you Sandy for everything and every time you have helped me!

  20. Sandy is Westport’s own formidable version of Car Talk: consummately knowledgeable, upbeat, funny, and generously offers terrific sage practical advice. He also carries everything needed to keep my cars going. I am very grateful for all of his tremendous help- and laughs- over the years. Sandy truly rocks!

  21. He has my vote any day for anything.

  22. Mary Ann Batsell

    I agree with Ed, Sandy is the best,
    he is so knowledgeable and helpful
    always the first place i go with any
    auto problems or questions, and if
    you ever need a part or a product
    he has it or can get it right away!
    Sandy one of Westports ‘ treasures!

  23. A smile, a welcome by name, a willingness to help with the smallest, least profitable problem, and always knows what one means when when one lamely explains the problem…exceptional.

  24. Sandy – Nobody does it better!