Thomas Charles "Tom" Coppinger

1957 - 2013

Thomas Charles Coppinger, 56, beloved husband of Tracy (Hospot), passed away unexpectedly at his home in Carmel Valley, CA, on December 23, 2013. Tom was born September 23, 1957, in Hartford, CT to Thomas M. Coppinger and Ann (Nancy) Bjorkland Coppinger McCafferty. Tom is survived by his wife Tracy and two sons, Trey and Carson. His sons were Tom's pride and joy. They enjoyed many great times and trips together, especially their last great adventure this past summer, fishing in the wilds of Alaska. Tom was a man who was in his element when surrounded by family and friends or working tirelessly to help his community in any way he could. He was one of those unique individuals that would light up a room when he entered. Tom had an uncanny ability to remember the smallest details going on within his extended family and friend's lives; he had unique timing and would always be there for you, sometimes even before you knew you needed his support. Nothing in Tom's world was more important than his family. Tom worked tirelessly to insure that he and Tracy gave their two boys, Trey (Duke University) and Carson (All Saints Day School) every opportunity to find their own passions and destiny. Attending East Hartford schools, Tom graduated from EHHS in 1975 and continued his education at Bryant University, playing varsity basketball, graduating 1979. Tom began his career in Hartford at Little Aetna, moving on to work at Touche Ross. Tom then accepted a position with DPIC, moved to Carmel Valley, married Tracy and began what he believed was his crowning achievement, a family of his own. Tom spent the past 15 years of his career with Granite Construction Company, Watsonville, CA where his vibrant presence and passion resonated throughout the company. Tom leaves behind his loving brother and sisters, Deborah (Coppinger) and Bob Heizman, Middletown, Cynthia (Coppinger) Cook and Patrick Craig, Higganum, Brian Coppinger and Karen Yaccarino, Rocky Hill and Annmarie Coppinger of Bonita Springs FL. His step-siblings, Susan (McCafferty) and Michael Reynolds, East Longmeadow MA, Shawn and Pat McCafferty Enfield, Carol Collins, Alto GA, Mike and Jeanie McCafferty, Savanah GA, Diane and Mike Colela, Upperdarvy PA and his stepfather John (Jack) McCafferty, Enfield. He also leaves behind Tracy's brother and sister; Kurt and Daralyn Hospot, Pittsfield MA and Nikki (Hospot) and Lee Pell of Sammamish WA. Tom also leaves many nieces and nephews all of whom he loved very dearly; Jay Potter, Wethersfield, Megan (Cook) and Rick Maynard, Higganum, Cody and Thomas Coppinger, East Hartford, Catherine Reynolds and Eric Koslik, Springfield MA, William Meyers, Enfield, Zachary Meyers, Naugatuck, Brittney and Chandler Hospot, Pittsfield, MA and Jacalyn and Samantha Pell, Sammamish WA. Tom also leaves behind a large and loving group of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. Our family would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the Empey and Lino families, along with Tom's many other friends in Carmel Valley for the care and support they are providing to Tracy and the boys during this difficult time. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Ann (Nancy) Bjorkland Coppinger McCafferty and Thomas M. Coppinger of Hartford, East Hartford and Enfield, Tracy's parents, Ray and Madeline Hospot of Lanesboro, MA, his fraternal grandparents, Thomas J. and Margaret (Marge) Coppinger and his maternal grandparents Charles and Mary (Molly) Bjorkland. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, January 11th at 1pm at All Saints Church on Dolores in Carmel CA. On the east coast; also on January 11th, there will be a mass said in Tom's honor at St. Michael's Church, 128 Maple St. East Longmeadow, MA at 4:00 PM. In Connecticut, on January 25th; Tom's family will hold a Celebration of Life in Tom's honor. All are welcome to visit with Tom's family between the hours of 1pm and 4pm at First and Last Tavern, 220 Main St. Middletown, CT. In lieu of flowers or other contributions, his family requests that donations to be made in Tom's name to; Carmel High School's Operation Padre, http://www.carmelunified.org/operationpadre. Tom; your love, kindness, humor and friendship will be missed by all. Rest in peace, my brother.