Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Sam Coppola Obituary
Character actor Sam Coppola of Leonia, who gave John Travolta sage but salty advice in the 1977 film classic "Saturday Night Fever," died Sunday. He was 79.
The cause was aneurysm complications, said his son, Jason.
The Jersey City-born alumnus of Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio never starved for roles.
He was a cop in "Serpico" (1973), starring Al Pacino, and a detective in "Fatal Attraction" (1987), starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close. His many TV credits include "The Good Wife," "Law & Order," "The Sopranos," "Ryan's Hope" and the 2001 A&E movie "The Heist," in which he portrayed mob boss Paul Castellano.
Mr. Coppola, no relation to film director Francis Ford Coppola, played a nursing home resident in a Chevy commercial that aired during last year's Super Bowl and a hot dog vendor in a Ball Park Franks spot starring Michael Jordan.
But to many, he is forever Dan Fusco, owner of the Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, hardware and paint store where Tony Manero (Travolta) worked by day and dreamtdreamed of Saturday night, when he ruled the dance floor at the Odyssey disco.
Wearing a khaki-colored smock and thick black glasses, Mr. Coppola's character spoke a memorable line in "Saturday Night Fever," one of the most culturally significant movies of the '70s.
Tony, frustrated that his boss thinks he should save his money and not splurge on a new disco shirt, cries that he doesn't care about the future. Mr. Coppola's Fusco shoots back with his own expletive-laced nugget of wisdom: The future "catches up with you & if you ain't prepared for it."
Teddy Coluca, a Fair Lawn actor, described Mr. Coppola as a mentor.
"That's how I knew I was an actor when I was sitting at an audition and who's sitting there across from me? The paint store owner from 'Saturday Night Fever,'x" Coluca said.
"If you had a question, Sam was the guy you went to. He was friends with everybody. He worked with everybody. He kept his feet on the ground and was one of the most serious actors I knew."
Jason Coppola was 5 years old when "Saturday Night Fever" came out.
"I remember when dad took us to the movie theater and told the guy in the box office, 'I'm in the movie and I just wanted my wife and kids to watch a little bit of it.'x"
Mr. Coppola "filled the room, not just with his acting, but with his personality and warmth," his son said.
"I just went to his bank to tell them what happened, and everyone from the manager to the tellers was in tears. He touched a lot of people, in a unique way."
Mr. Coppola, a 38-year resident of Leonia, also had many stage roles. He played the hobo Vladimir in a 2005 Ooff-Broadway production of "Waiting for Godot" and an aging real estate salesman, Aaronow,cq in a 2000 production of "Glengarry Glen Ross" at the McCarter Theatre cqin Princeton.
Mr. Coppola was predeceased by his wife, Helen. He is survived by his children, Jason Coppola of Brooklyn and Samantha Coppola of Bogota, and three grandchildren.
Visiting is today from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Directors, Fort Lee. Services are private.
Email: [email protected]
Memories and Condolences
for Sam Coppola
18 Entries
David Orange
February 1, 2025
Sam was a true humanitarian, always going the extra mile to help someone... with a twinkle in his eye and his trademark grin. David Orange
Joseph Petrizzo Jr
November 21, 2021
I meet sam at his brother's Real estate co in jersey city nj back in 1986 he was the nicest man I've ever known, i kept on looking at him and i asked him aren't you the guy from Saturday night fever he said don't tell anyone but yes i just stood there in amazement his brother mario was there & i used to come around to visit them all the time i used to sit & talk to sam all the time and he was a great great man, I'll miss him R.I.P. sam with your brother mario god bless your soul.
January 20, 2019
I remember receiving a autographed picture from Sammy when I was about seven or eight years old. I knew Sammy through my father. They were from the same neighborhood in Jersey City. Sammy was a little older than my father, and shared many of the same friends from the old neigborhood. Dad would often reflect on that time, and with the many friends he would describe as "true characters." Frankie, Michael "Martel", Joey, and so many others. They shared a common experience growing up around Palisade Avenue in Jersey City during the late 40s and 50s.
I had the brief pleasure of meeting Sammy for the first and only time, while with my dad, during a trip to Whole Foods in Edgewater probably 15 years ago.
They shared stories from the old neighborhood, and Sammy spoke fondly of some news friends named Al, and Bob. It was great!
I became aware of Sammy's passing today. My father passed almost a month after Sammy.
I will walk through the old neighborhood, remembering the many great stories, and "true characters" that once graced us with their unique, and distinguished presence.
I will always take great pleasure remembering receiving the great gift as a young boy, and always reminding everyone that Sammy was one of ours, he was from Jersey City.
Deep Condolences
Harry Simpson
February 5, 2018
Godspeed Sam, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
June 14, 2016
Deepest sympathy to you Samantha. ...Love, Crystal-Renee
Harry Simpson
February 5, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Lisa Weiner
November 27, 2013
To Sam Coppola,
You were a very good actor. I enjoyed watching you in the mvoie Saturday Night Fever, etc. My prayers go to you and your family. Lisa Weiner
June 2, 2012
I love you Grandpa...You will always be in my heart
Your Granddaughter
May 25, 2012
Your Granddaughter
May 25, 2012
I love you Grandpa...I miss you so much. I love you so much more.
Diana
Judy Despommier
April 28, 2012
My deepest sympathies for your sudden loss of dear Sam.He was my friend for over 20 years ; I have never met a more gracious person.He made everyone feel so special never realizing that he was the one who was.He had an uncanny sense of humor which was aimed at times at himself.He loved his family deeply and worried so about all of you.He only wanted the best for you.He admired Joe and Donna for their selflessness,his children for their ability to handle their struggles and his grandchildren,Oh how he adored them.I will never regret knowing him,I will never regret loving him but oh how I regret losing him.
Old Classmate
February 14, 2012
Hi Samantha...sorry about your dad. I went to St. John's in Leonia with you. Your dad was a nice guy. I even talked to him about 7 years ago, on Broad Ave., and asked how you were doing. When I approached him, I'm pretty sure he thought I was going to "recognize" him from one of his movies. I think he was very pleasantly surprised when I brought up your name instead and asked how you were doing. My condolences.
February 13, 2012
Sam The Great ! He will be dearly missed
Our deepest sympathy
Margaret and Scott Falcon
Ike An
February 8, 2012
Sam, he was a wonderful friend and neighbour.
Patricia Boardman
February 8, 2012
To Jason, Samantha and family, I was sadden to see the article on Sammy's passing. My mother was a very dear friend to your mom Helen.I remember being a very young child in Jersey City and visitng them. My mom's name was Audrey Donnelly Voloshin and she has recently passed also. On June 6th this year. Mom was 78 and had fought cancer more than once. Fought the good fight this last time for over 11 years.So often she's mention Helen, I'm sorry she didn't reach out to her more... and it was always so exciting to see another one of your dad's commericals.. He was a busy guy.
Sincere sympathy's,
Patricia Voloshin Boardman
Pompton Plains, NJ
David Orange
February 8, 2012
Whenever I met with Sam or just bumped into him on the streets of Manhattan, his humorous antics often turned out to be the highlight of my day!
David Orange
Michele Launay
February 7, 2012
To Diana, Joe, Joe & Donna and the rest of the Coppola Family,
John, Danielle & I are deeply sorry for your lose. Sam was foremost a wonderful,caring and involved grandfather and brother in law and you can tell he enjoyed and treasured this role most of all. He has left a memorable iconic mark on the world, throught his acting / film career; but we'll remember he more as a humble gentleman who enjoyed his family more than his fame. He has past on those entertaintment genes to both Diana & Joe so we know that legacy will continue on.
With sorrowful hearts & prayers, The Launay Family
Steve Hannelly
February 7, 2012
Sam was a real good guy!
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Sam Coppola's name
How to support Sam's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Sam Coppola's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more