Joseph P. Coppola Jr., age 79. It is with deep sadness in our hearts, that after a two year brave battle with AML, we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, pop, brother, uncle and friend.
Joe peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 2, 2017, in the comfort of his home. He transitioned to a better place with “Coppola Strong” family by his side. Joe’s passing leaves a giant hole in the web and heart of his family. He did all of the things he loved to the end. He was the beloved husband of fifty-seven years to Marilyn (Taylor) Coppola.
Joe was born at home in Ansonia on February 27, 1938, son of the late Joseph and Amelia Gagliardi Coppola. A lifelong resident of Ansonia, Joe was employed by Stop & Shop for forty-five years until his retirement in 2003. Joe’s greatest loves were his family, the casino, traveling, Boston Red Sox and NY Rangers.
In addition to his wife, he leaves a legacy to treasure his memory, daughter Carrie and favorite son in law Brian Butler, daughter Anne Coppola (Dawn Lantiere), son Joseph Coppola III, son Jeffery Coppola (Rebecca Kirpas), twelve grandchildren, Amelia Benjamin (Jarvis), Abby Pullo (Jason), Emily Butler, Joseph Coppola IV (Kerry), Sarah, Tori and Jason Coppola, Katherine, Nicolas and Jacob Coppola and Bobby and Davidjon Kirpas, six great grandchildren, Ayden Geltman, Ayana and Jaxon Benjamin, Camden and Deacon Coppola and Audrey Coppola. He also leaves behind sisters Mary Jane King (William), Clara Krupa and Sue Patchkofsky, a brother Anthony Coppola, brothers and sisters in law, James and Lola Taylor, Janet and Tom Heffernan and Rev. Philip Sharkey, best friends, June and George Geffert and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Michael Coppola and sister, Sally Lawlor.
The family sends a heart-felt thank you to the caregivers at Smilow Cancer Hospital for their dedication and loving care over the course of Joe’s illness. A special thanks to Dr. Nikolai Podoltsev, Stephanie Sanford, Lisa Barbarossa, and the 7th floor infusion nurses.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday March 6, 2017, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Tuesday, relatives and friends are invited to meet directly at 10:00 am at Holy Rosary Church, 10 Father Salemi Drive, Ansonia, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment will immediately follow in Mt. St. Peter’s Mausoleum in Derby.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Closer to Free Fund, which jointly supports Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center at http://www.rideclosertofree.org/team/coppolastrong. Please contribute to the team “Coppola Strong”. As Joe would often say, “Always remember, time never stops.”
To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
