FRANK PETER COPPOLA

Dr. Frank Peter Coppola, 72, died at his home Saturday, December 12, 2009. Dr. Coppola was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Madeline Coppola. He brought them a great sense of pride throughout their life. Dr. Coppola is also survived by his wife and son; brother, Michael Coppola of Massachusetts; an uncle, brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, niece and nephews. Dr. Coppola was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, Schenectady, Fordham University, Georgetown University School of Dentistry and the Navy ROTC. His military service took him to the Brooklyn Navy Base, San Diego California, Vietnam, and Okinawa. He was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. After completing his military service, he returned home to Schenectady and entered into private practice with his friend and colleague, Dr. Joseph Guerra. Shortly after that, Dr. Coppola was pleased to open his own practice in the neighborhood he grew up in, Bellevue. He practiced dentistry for over 40 years. He loved his patients and they loved him. It was a great sadness when because of his illness he had to retire from practice. Dr. Coppola was married to Sharran Ann Isabella for 39 years. She was the light of his life and he took great pride in her commitment to family, friends and community. He had two children, Michelle Helen, who passed away as a young child, and he often wondered what might have been. He held her in a very special place in his heart. His son, Frederick Peter Coppola of Houston, Texas, was truly his bright shinning star. He loved being a father to Fred and all the joys that came with a true father son relationship. They shared their love of the outdoors, particularly fishing, long days on a Cape Cod beach, cryptograms, jig saw puzzles and bowling. Dr. Coppola was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and usher, a very proud member of the Schenectady Kiwanis and the Schenectady County Dental Society. This past Thanksgiving vacation the family gathered to celebrate with Peter. The entire cast of family and friends came together for a glorious celebration. He was surrounded by his sisters-in-law, Mary, Karen, Maureen and Teri; and brothers-in-law Joseph, Fred, James Isabella; and cousins, Tony and Joanne Coppola. Dr. Coppola loved to play golf, a good game of bridge and chess. He loved family and friend gatherings at home and Cape Cod. He loved all things Italian. Dr. Coppola was a quiet, honorable husband, father and gentleman and friend; he will be missed greatly. During the course of his illness, Dr. Coppola came in contact with many dedicated men and women. The family would like to acknowledge the kindness of the following: Dr. Roberta Miller and staff St. Peter's Hospital ALS Regional Center, Rosemary Hollenbeck, RN, Dr. Jonathan Cooper, Dr. Christopher Murphy, Dr. Sheldon Staunton, Dr. S. Patel of Schenectady and Dr. Douglas Dennet VA Primary Care Schenectady, Community Hospice of Schenectady, Nori Giacchetta, RN and his dear friend and colleague Dr. Anthony Cinelli. Calling hours will be Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at the Gleason Funeral Home, Union Street, Schenectady, 4 to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at St. John the Evangelist Church, Union Street, Schenectady, 10:30 a.m. Burial will be St. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery, Rotterdam. Contributions can be made to Bethesda House of Schenectady, 418 Liberty Street, Schenectady, NY 12305 or St. Peter's ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY 12205.