Obituaries/Viewings
Kenneth J. Coppolo | 73
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Following a storyline like that of his beloved Pittsburgh Pirates, the 2023 campaign of Ken Coppolo ended sooner than we all had hoped. Kenneth J. Coppolo, 73, of St. Marys, passed away following a brief illness Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at his daughter’s home with his family and grand dogs by his side.
Ken was born March 1, 1950, in St. Marys, son of the late Gerald and Mary Rose Coppolo. He was a lifelong resident of St. Marys and a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1969.
On October 18, 1975, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he married Jeanne M. Sorg, who survives. They were blessed to share 47 years of marriage and friendship.
Along with his loving wife, Ken is survived by daughter Carisa Coppolo and her partner, Trent Mason, of Erie, daughter Julie Lapiska and her husband Andy Lapiska, also of Erie; his four grandchildren: Kenna, Reagan, Lucas, and Nathan; his sister, Vicki Coppolo of St. Marys; and by his sisters-in-law and their spouses – Mary and Jef Fritz, Sally and Rick Gabler, Nancy and Nick Budd; as well as his many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Ken was a parishioner of Queen of the World Church and truly loved to work. A lifelong business owner and entrepreneur, he was most committed to his business as an independent contractor, Coppolo Builders, which recently celebrated its fiftieth year. While his construction projects stand strong around St. Marys and beyond, the most important thing that Ken built was a strong family. Nothing made him prouder than seeing his daughters and grandchildren succeed on stage, at sports, and by building loving families of their own.
A selfless man, Ken lived a life guided by kindness and his idea of F.A.M.I.L.Y. (Forget About Me, I Love You). Ken’s “family” extended to include the countless friends who he loved—and brought the light of joy to—with his unwavering smile and sense of humor. He instilled these strong values and work ethic in his grandchildren who will miss him dearly.
Let’s go Bucs! We love ‘ya “Hon!”
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass to be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 10:30 AM, concelebrated by Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, and longtime family friend the Very Rev. Michael P. Ferrick. Military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 4:00 until 6:00 PM.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or a children’s charity of your choice.
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Vicki, just saw the news, and I’m so very sorry for your loss, my Friend. God bless you and yours with comfort and peace
Always enjoyed talking with Ken when he came to the hardware store. We joked around a bit and talked of serious subjects a bit. I even remembered him when he worked at the “Roller Rama” back in the day! Always had a laugh with him about nothing in general. Ken was a good guy with a big heart and I will miss him coming to the store and giving me a hard time! RIP Ken. Tracy Ross… Keystone Ace Hardware
Vicki, Jeanne, Carissa, Julie and all of Ken’s family and friends, I am so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. My prayers and greatest sympathy are with you all. Vicki, you know I love you, my friend, and will be thinking of you. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your old-time friend from the beginning, Nancy Grotzinger. May God’s peace be with you all, always and forever, from this life in to the next, where Ken will be waiting, with Jesus, and open arms. Until then I am sure he will be watching over all of you. Be blessed.
Jeannie, Vicki and family:
Sending my deepest sympathy and keeping all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kenny was a great guy!
So sorry for your loss. God Bless.
Sending our deepest condolences to all of Kenny’s loved ones. May God’s peace, strength and comfort be with you!
So sorry for your loss. Kenny was such a great guy and will be missed by so many! Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Jeannie, we want to extend our condolences to you and your family. May Kenny rest in peace and his memory stay alive in all of you! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Sending our heartfelt condolences to Jeanne, the girls and the rest of the family at this time. Kenny always kept you on your toes and could always get a smile.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
My deepest condolences to Kenny’s family and friends. He was my 1st boss when I worked at the movie theater 40+years ago.
❣️ my heart breaks for his Family and Friends…but my memories of him aren’t stopping the tears but their adding smiles and laughter. What a character.
Heaven just leveled up ❣️
So very sorry for your loss! Kenny was a great guy! He will be missed.
We are just in shock! We feel awful. Jeanne, you and your family are in our prayers. Kenny was a great man! So much fun, such a big heart… he was bigger than life. He will be missed by so many. God bless you all. All our love, Buzzy and Carol Jacobs