Joseph A Coppola, 95, of Cheshire, formerly of North Haven, died peacefully on September 8, 2023 after a brief illness. Born on June 23, 1928, Joseph was the oldest son of the late Anthony Coppola Sr. and Genevieve (Caliento) Coppola. He was predeceased by his wife Eileen (Anderson) Coppola, his brother Anthony Coppola Jr. and sister Doris Tynan. Joseph grew up in Naugatuck, graduated from Naugatuck High School, and earned degrees from Manhattan School of Music (Concert Violin) and The University of New Haven (Electrical Engineering). Joseph served our Country in the United States Airforce where his musical talent led him to membership in the both the Airforce Symphony Orchestra and the Strolling Strings. Both groups played at official White House functions and across the globe inspiring audiences through music. As much as he enjoyed traveling the world, the happiest time of his life began in 1960 when Joseph married the love of his life Eileen. Together, they settled in North Haven and raised their family. He worked as an Electrical Engineer for most of his career until his retirement. After retirement, he remained active in the community and volunteered for many years with St. Francis Cabrini Church. Joseph had numerous interests that included reading, golfing, walking, gardening, and wood burning. But his greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his family who always felt his immeasurable love. His family would like to thank the Hospice team at MidState Medical Center for their kind and compassionate care. Joseph leaves his daughters Patricia Schwartz (Mark) of Orange and Karen Bogli (Todd) of Middletown and one sister Ida Jane Coppola of East Berlin. He also leaves four precious grandchildren: Robert Schwartz (Samantha), Jennifer Schwartz, Stephen Bogli, and Mathew Bogli.
Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven on Saturday, Sep 16th at 12 Noon to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in the All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research: (https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout)
Our VCH, Veterans Coffee House meets monthly at the Wallingford Senior Center which not only gives our Vets the chance to socialize but also take part in enjoying a guest speaker which are related to military topics. We were founded in 2017 by Mark Halliday and Robert Boucher. Our Veterans are an exceptional group and our intention is to bring together to socialize, offer assistance and support. We can be contacted at the Wallingford Senior Center.
At this very difficult time, our group would like to honor the loss of Joseph Coppola as a fallen brother. Our military Veterans send out their heartfelt condolences to the Coppola family and friends. As an Air Force Veteran, he had joined an elite group of honorable men and women and our Country will forever be in his debt.