Richard J. Coppa

1942 - 2015

Richard J. Coppa, 72, of Norfolk formerly of Medway and Westwood, died September 1 in his home. He was the husband of Arline J. (Cote) Coppa for the past 50 years. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, November 5, 1942, the son of the late Joseph and Beatrice (Esposito) Coppa, Mr. Coppa was raised in Cranston and had lived in Westwood for 30 years before moving to Medway where he lived until coming to Norfolk 7 years ago. He was a graduate of LaSalle Academy. He received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University. Mr. Coppa had been an Electrical Engineer for the Polaroid Corporation for 32 years before retiring. He had earned 8 U.S. patents for inventions while at Polaroid. Previously he had worked on the Corona Project for the Iteck Corporation of Newton. There is an exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. where cameras and a light table, which Mr. Coppa invented, are displayed. Mr. Coppa was a member and past president of the Marian Community. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus of Dedham, and the Notre Dame Club of New England. He enjoyed quahogging, cooking, was an avid reader, gardener, a devoted fan of Notre Dame football. An accomplished pianist, Mr. Coppa also composed several musical selections. Most important to Richard was his family and his faith. "A La Famiglia." In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Joseph Coppa and his wife Joanne of West Granby, CT., Susan Looney and her husband David of Easton and Elizabeth DeSorgher and her husband Michael of Shelburne Falls. He is also survived by his sisters, Beatrice Terceira of North Situate, R.I. and Pamela Brennan of Wyoming, RI. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer, Julie, Jessica, Joseph, Jackson and Reid. His funeral will be held on Saturday, September 5 from the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home (www.ginleyfuneral homes.com) 3 Barber Street, Medway at 9:15 followed by a funeral mass in St. Joseph Church at 10; 00. Burial will be in St. Anns Cemetery, Cranston. Calling hours will be on Friday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, Ma 02215.