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Joseph Coppo Obituary
"You don't know Joe Coppo, and you do," Mike Lupica wrote in The Daily News two Sundays after the attacks. "Every town, if it is lucky, has somebody like him, the guy who doesn't just want to coach his own kids but all the kids."
Joseph J. Coppo, 47, a burly municipal bond trader at Cantor Fitzgerald, coached all four of his children, and hundreds of other children in New Canaan, Conn.
"He was very demanding, but he was someone you always wanted to work hard for," said his daughter, Kathleen, 22, who played center field for him on a softball team. This summer, Mr. Coppo coached his youngest son's All-Star baseball team. Theplayers, 13 years old, attended his funeral in their uniforms.
Kathleen Coppo, who described her father as "my best friend, the first person I turned to for anything," teaches a class on social justice at a small Catholic girls school. Recently one of her students asked her whether Sept. 11 had caused her to abandon her pacifist beliefs. No, she replied ‹ an answer, she said, that might have pleased her father, who considered applying for conscientious-objector status when he was drafted just as the Vietnam War was ending. "He was not into war," she said.
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John Sheehan
September 11, 2023
Thinking of Joe today. I always do on this day each year. And pretty much always when taking in a baseball game. What a terrific coach he was, what a great guy. Heavenly blessings to him, and peace to all the Coppos.
Gene Brugger
December 30, 2022
Joe, I brought my wife and daughter to the 9-11 Memorial this past Summer, and we hunted and found your name. I did not know you well, but we were classmates/Teammates at MR. Remembering a good man.
Cindy Roe
September 5, 2021
Remembering Joseph on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Del Newberry
May 20, 2021
Those of us who watched in horror on that fateful day will never forget what we saw, the loved ones we lost, the togetherness we felt as US Citizens. My love and prayers go out to Joseph's friends and family today. Much love from Texas
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Susan S. Moss
October 11, 2019
Just remembering Joe, and how much my sons Tyler and Rob enjoyed playing baseball with your sons and being coached by you. Forever in our memories and hearts. Love and blessings to Pat and the family. #NeverForget9/11
Neil Mooney
August 3, 2017
I remember Joe very well from Maria Regina HS. He was such a popular fellow, and one of our top football players. (Joe, I know that's not saying much given our team, but you know what I mean!) Today is the first I am hearing of his tragic death on that horrific day. My sympathies to his family and friends. The world lost a very good man that day.
Eddie Benz
September 11, 2016
On this day I always remember my Maria Regina H.S. classmate, football & baseball teammate, and friend Joe Coppo. 15 years later I still get teary eyed thinking about his passing! Your family are forever in my prayers Joe.I am sure that everyone you reached out to in life became a better person because of it because that's who you were - a very giving, positive person. Thanks for your friendship Joe - I will never forget you.
Tom Cahill
December 10, 2013
Happy Birthday in Heaven Joe.
Jennifer Minnite
September 18, 2011
Hi, my name is Jennifer Minnite and I live in Pleasanton, California. I am so sorry for your loss. After reading Joseph's biography, all that he did for his children and as a baseball coach, I felt compelled to contact any loved one of his.
On Sept. 11, 2011, my family and I attended a San Francisco Giants Baseball game. When we entered the gates, they handed us cards with an American flag on one side and on the other side was a message that read:
"We Will Never Forget-
The name printed on this card is one of the many who lost their lives on Sept. 11,2001. We ask that you please hold it up during the pre-game ceremony, during the game when asked, and again during the 7th Inning Stretch with the singing of God Bless America to remember and honor those that lost their lives 10 years ago today." The name on my card and on my 7 year old daughter's card was "Joseph John Coppo, Jr."
I thought it really was meaningful that we held his name because it sounds like he really loved baseball, his name was honored at this professional baseball game, and my family comes from a long line of baseball lovers. My dad played in the minor leagues for the Boston Red Socks in the '60's and was a high school baseball coach for 32 years. The similarities didn't go unnoticed and I said a prayer for Joseph and all of you- his loved ones.
I would be happy to send the cards with Joseph's name on them to you if you would like them. Just email me at the address below and give me your address and I can send them to you as soon as I hear from you.
Please know that my family continues to pray for your family and Joseph.
God Bless you all,
Jennifer Minnite
[email protected]
Jeanne Malin Ellis
September 13, 2011
I went to college with Pat and I always remember the good times our group had in White Plains. My husband, Bill, recently retired from the Port Authority, is a 9/11 survivor. My heart goes out to Pat and their family. Not a day goes by in my life that I don't offer a pray to God for those who lost family and friends. Keep the good memories - they are the best part of life!
Gregory Garcia
September 12, 2011
Joe was my baseball captain at Manhattan College in the mid seventies. I often think of him now, Joe was an assuring an mentoring figure during that time in my life and is surly missed by all he touched
Donna Kimari
September 11, 2011
I am Donna Kimari & I live in San Diego. After 9/11, a radio station here held an event asking people to come down to the stadium parking lot & read the names of all who lost their lives. I read Joseph J. Coppo, Jr. Afterwards I regularly prayed for his family. Today I have read even more about his life & his family- what a remarkable man. I hope I can meet him in heaven some day. I just wanted his family to know that 10 years later, I am still praying for you & Joe is not forgotten. Even 3000 miles away by someone who never met him. God bless you all. :)
Kelly O'Neal-Bright
September 11, 2011
You will never be forgotten. God bless you Joe and your family on this 10th anniversary. Rest in peace.
Leslie Weiss
September 10, 2011
Still think of you and all that parished that day. Miss you Joe. I know youre out there watching over us all.
Phil Hessemer
July 10, 2009
I went to high schgool with Joe. He was our class president and a leader. He was smart and sat in back of me in Physics class. Joe was a great baseball player, always had a smile and had a great sense of humor. In those days of cliques Joe never had an attitude and was friends with everyone. He was a great guy. I'm sorry I didn't keep in touch with him in later years.
Doug Abraham
March 2, 2009
Nature
As a fond mother, when the day is o'er,
Leads by the hand her little child to bed,
Half willing, half reluctant to be led,
And leave his broken playthings on the floor,
Still gazing at them through the open door,
Nor wholly reassured and comforted
By promises of others in their stead,
Which, though more splendid, may not please him more;
So Nature deals with us, and takes away
Our playthings one by one, and by the hand
Leads us to rest so gently, that we go
Scarce knowing if we wish to go or stay,
Being too full of sleep to understand
How far the unknown transcends the what we know.
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Poetry Foundation
James Courtney
September 14, 2008
My mother, Eleanor Powell Courtney, was 1st cousin to Joe and Mary. I got to know Joe only through sporadic visits over many years but, long before any tragedy befell Joe and his family, we all knew what a jewel he really was. To all of you who knew Joe, especially his family, you are so incredibly lucky to have shared a moment in time when Joe was with us!!!
Tricia Harris (Stanley)
September 11, 2008
I played field hockey with Kathleen at Fairfield University, and could always count on Mr. Coppo cheering for us from the sidelines. I feel honored to have known him, even for that short time, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Kathleen and her family on this sad anniversary.
Ryan Paul
September 11, 2007
I grew up across the street from the Coppo family some 15 yrs ago and quickly became friends with eldest son Joseph III. While their stay in Purchase wasn't all that long I had the pleasure of sharing some fond memories with the entire family and remember Joe's kindness and warmth. Although I have not seen the Coppo's since some years before 9/11, I would like to send my regards and best wishes to the entire family on this day of remembrance. Hopefully our paths will cross again.
Kristine
October 30, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Christine Foege
October 3, 2006
I hope all of you are doing well. You've been in my thoughts over the years. With love, Christine Foege
(Johnny's old homeroom teacher from ST. Luke's)
Dave Johnson
October 3, 2006
What a special guy. I had the pleasure of not only doing business with Joe, but enjoying his company on the golf course, and enjoying a good cigar with an "adult" beverage when the round was finished!
P Tabbernor
September 15, 2006
In memory....
Michael Schenk
September 11, 2006
Pat,
I never met Joe, but he trained my wife Melissa Hennessey at Cantor Fitzgerald in San Francisco. I have heard and read alot about what a special person he was. I wish I had been lucky enough to know him. Our prayers are with you and your family today and forever.
Frank Teevan
May 30, 2006
Just today I found out from a class mate that Joe was killed on 9/11. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Frank Teevan
Maria Regina class of 1971
Ruth McManus Krems
October 10, 2004
I had just finished watching the docudrama "The Guys" , a movei tribute to the heroes of 9/11 when in reading the credits I came across a familiar name...Joe Coppo. I thought to myself, no it can't be the same Joe Coppo that I went to Maria Regina DHS with. Much to my sadness I discovered after looking on the internet it was. Although it has been a few years I just wanted to say that Joe's family and friends are in my prayers. After all these years he wasn't someone you'd ever forget.
Daniella Reichstetter
September 11, 2003
It has been a long time since I've been in touch with Kathleen, and I just learned from a new friend that knows her that her dad was a victim two years ago.
I remember her dad at our softball games, and at the Coppo house, always being a very active dad. He was so passionate about his kids and their success and happiness. Everyone should be so blessed to have a father like him.
Bill Canfield
September 11, 2003
We all put on a brave face during the year but it all comes rushing back now. The memorials, the tributes, they help us reflect on the great loss we have all endured since September 11, 2001. I worked for the Coppo's as a General Contractor several years ago in New Canaan. Joe and Pat always made you feel more like a friend or a member of the family than a professional acquaintance. We all were very upset to hear that the Coppo family, their friends, and the whole community had lost such a wonderful man. Life does go on but I will always hold a special place in my thoughts for Joe, Pat and the whole Coppo Family. God Bless You all.
Adela Hall (Donovan)
September 11, 2003
25 years ago I worked with Joe at Smith Barney in Los Angeles. Our head trader, Bill Lipman was prone to temper tantrums. Every time I felt one comming on, I would look across the trading desk at Joe and he always had a naughty little smile and a twinkle in his eyes! He always made us laugh. A few years ago, I found out thru mutual friends that we had lived in the same town without knowing it. I wish I could have had the oportunity to see Joe and Pat before they went back to New York.
I found out about Joe by reading an article in Newsweek magazine where Joe Jr. was quoted. I was impressed as to what a wonderful young man he is! Today, two years later, my thoughts and prayers are with the Coppo family. I'm sure their faith is an immense source of comfort.
Valerie Haas/Massey
September 11, 2003
When I moved out to California in 1982 from NJ I got a job at a Brokerage Firm-Helm, Nabori and Perri. Needless to say I was homesick and then there was Joe. He had the same accent and knew all about the East Coast and he took me under his wing. He was a terrific, funny, wonderful human being and now I am sorry that I lost touch with him and his family when I moved back to NJ. I know that everyone who knew him will miss him everyday for the rest of their lives. My deepest sympathies to his family.
John Blackstock
October 1, 2002
Your old friends in California remember you, miss you and pray for you and your family.
Alex Schulten
September 13, 2002
I know and love all the Coppos and i was very happy to have known Mr. Coppo, he is a great person. God bless the whole Coppo family.
Linda O'Neal
September 12, 2002
Yesterday, here on the West Coast, I sat in front of the TV and watched as hundreds and hundreds of names ran across the bottom of the screen. They had only reached the "C's" when I began to anticipate Joe's name. I quickly called my husband at his office. He was watching also. We waited for a few moments until it finally appeared, Joseph J. Coppo Jr. My husband quietly said "There he is, there's Joe." They were very dear old friends for many years. We saw Joe only months before September 11. He was here in San Diego on business with two other associates. He asked that we both meet them for dinner. I was the only woman, but my husband insisted I join them. I had a great evening. Joe kept me laughing all night. He spoke about the old days and how much fun they used to have. We think about Joe often and my husband misses him terribly. I know he is in a wonderful place, still keeping them laughing. God bless you Joe, and may God bless the entire Coppo family.
Kelly O'Neal
September 11, 2002
My father was a close friend of Joe Coppo's for many, many years. I just want to pass on my heartfelt condolences for his entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all.
Jim Monaghan
September 10, 2002
I knew Joe from his entertaining clients at Maguire's Cafe on 2nd Ave & later at Morton's Steakhouse downtown. I was working as a bartender,yet Joe always made me feel like he was taking care of me! It was a shock to find out about Joe by way of the Lupica column in "The Daily News", but Lupica certainly did a great job in his describing the gentleman that Joe was. My condolences to his family. He spoke of you guys often.
Patricia Mahon Krajeski
January 30, 2002
I've only now read this. Pat sent it to me a while back, but this is the first chance I have had to read the notes from people who knew Joe and from people who didn't. I did. And, I knew those other guys from Baldwin, too. Joe and I went to high school together; Pat and I went to college together. And, Tom, I could have sworn it was I who introduced them when we came down to visit you guys at Manhattan from Good Counsel! (Gracious, Tom and Steve, it's good to "hear" from you. It's been so very many years...) Anyway, it is obvious that Joe has been a big influence on many people, judging from everything that has been written here. I remember Joe's huge smile and contagious laugh. I remember How Bren (Pat) was so totally in love with him and (okay, I had to be reminded of this) that she used the kitchen table in our just-out-of-college-five-roommate house to make her wedding gown! I think sometimes Joe just wanted to be able to spend time with Bren, but that house was always so full and noisy and bustling with activity that privacy was a commodity. When Bren and Joe moved to California, some of the college gang visited out there/here. And when I moved out here, Pat and Joe lived in the next town over from where I live now. Oh, how I wish they could have stayed here. I missed a lot of their lives as married folks, parents, a family. But as I wrote to Pat after this tragedy, I know that the values that we all created and embraced as young people ourselves, values that we cherish to this day, have been passed on to the Coppo children by Pat and Joe. So, not only will that precious smile and laughter of Joe's live on in his children, but I am confident that they will reflect the same values he carried so well. May God bless him, Pat and the kids.
Tom Nevins
January 17, 2002
Joe was the youngest of a group of 6 special friends growing up together in Baldwin, L.I., and attending Grade School and High School together. We were not an exclusive group. Each of us had our individual interests and many other friends. We were an active, involved, and very social group in High School. We were into the Student Council, Sports, Debate, Drama Club, Forensics Club, etc.. Joe more than held his own among us. He was Student Council President in his Senior year, always won top sports honors for his baseball skills, and was always one of the most liked guys in his class. Being the youngest of our group, Joe was often the brunt of our good natured kidding and always held his own in that way as well. He was the the least assuming of the group and ultimately, the most accomplished. He was the biggest, strongest, and most foreboding of the group, but also the most gentle and sincere. He was the most easy going and undemanding of others, yet dedicated to his goals and very demanding of himself. We weren't saints and got into our share of trouble, but our mischief was never destructive, hurtful, or mean spirited. It was usually the by-product of one of our hare-brained schemes or the end result of having had excessive fun. Our good deeds outweighed our bad and we could usually work our way out of trouble pretty quickly.
After spending his freshman year of college in the sticks of PA, Joe joined me at Manhattan College and we became roommates. He and I were as close as two guys can be for the next several years. Neither of us were great students and I was a terrible influence on Joe. But somehow we managed to stay up with our course work, he stayed in shape for baseball, I worked two part time jobs, and we still had a ball. I was there when Joe met Pat for the first time. In fact, I think I introduced them to each other. They both seemed to know right away that they were meant to be together and they never looked back.
A couple of years after college, Joe and I drifted apart. He became very successful very quickly and was building a solid future and starting a family while the rest of us were still floundering around and chasing elusive dreams.
I was right down the block the morning of the tragedy but didn't know that Joe was one of the victims. I didn't find out until his memorial service was past, and then couldn't find the words to express to Pat and his kids the sorrow I felt for their loss.
I will always regret not having stayed in touch with Joe, but will always be grateful for the wonderful memories I have of a truly terrific guy, a loyal friend, and an all around great person.
Carlos Rodriquez
January 8, 2002
Joe Coppo, 1975 Captain, Manhattan College Baseball. I became the next person to captain the baseball team. Joe passed on to me, the vital information that I would need to fulfill my obligations. It is easy to imagine what kind of father, husband, and community role model he must have been. My sincere sympathies to the Coppo Family. I think of Joe often.
Carlos Rodriquez,
Fellow Jasper
anne Martling (radosta)
January 7, 2002
Remember Joe as a little boy in Baldwin New York. May god bless and keep his faminly safe. We will all pray for Joe Love Anne.
Teresa Jahn
January 5, 2002
We are very sorry for your loss of Joseph. May his life and love live on in those who love him. May warm memories of times shared with Joseph lighten the sorrow in your hearts. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Steve Barnwell
December 29, 2001
I wanted to wish the members of Joes family my sincerist condolence.I would have written earlier but I just heard about this web site and I figured this was the best way to let you know my feelings. I have not seen Joe for about 20 years but I must tell you that he left a deep and unforgettable impression on my life.
You see I was one of those original "Baldwin Boys" who would ride the Grand Avenue,Baldwin bus to Maria Regina High School every day with Joe. The bus would stop in front of his house and he would invariably have to hold it for me, or Tom Nevins , or Bill Brewar, or Doug Baldwin. We all went to St. Christophers together and then on to Maria Regina together.
But I actually had a second and equally deep tie with Joe. I was actually a very good baseball player when I was younger. All Star Baldwin Little League, Maria regina varsity. Actually pretty good. But I paled in comparison to Joe's talent. I remember one time I was pitching against Joe's team. His father(also a wonderful man) was coaching, and Joe came up late in the game as pinch hitter. I had struck out about 15 of Joe's teamates and walked the batter before Joe. We were winning 1 - 0 at the time. My first pitch was a perfect curve ball. Needless to say the ball was never to be seen again. Joe hit it about 9 miles.
Afterward Mr. Coppo took us all out for Carvel, as was his custom. Joe never said a word about the home run or the game or the win. He never gloated, and in fact seemed more interested in making me feel better. A true gentelman and a real man, and from what little I know it would seem to me that he hit a home run with his whole life.
He will be missed, and my thoughts go out to him and his family.
Tom Sheridan
December 11, 2001
I knew Joe well when he was a boy. We played Little League together for 5 years straight with his Dad Joe as our coach. Counting practice we were together three days a week all spring and summer. The rest of the time I saw him daily at St. Christopher's school in Baldwin, NY. As life would have it I hadn't talked to him in the last 30 years. Though from reading what is written here we could have easily picked up talking about baseball. I can see that as a man he stayed a good kid. God Bless his family.
Annie Coleman
November 16, 2001
In my sign language class at school my teacher found the articles about all the people lost in the tragedy and she cut them out and laminated them. We then read some of the profiles and chose a person who touched our heart. My choice was Joseph J. Coppo because he resembles my father and I know that I would have a tough time if I had lost him. Every day during class we have “911 time” and we think, or pray, or do what we need to do. I have personally hoped for the best and tried to find a way to “pick up where he left off”. I have been helping coach my little sisters softball team as well as playing on mine. I really do wish the whole family and all the people whose hearts he touched the best in life, and I hope that they find a way to help a child as he would have done.
Elizabeth Forlenzo
November 15, 2001
My husband met Joe while working at New Canaan High School as a custodian. I'll never forget when he came home and told me he had met "the nicest guy you'll ever meet" during baseball signups for the town. My husband, Pat, from then on always looked forward to working during signups so he could see Joe. When our son's All-Star team played New Canaan two years ago, Joe went out of his way to come over and talk to Pat while seated with the "other" team's fans.
He showed my husband alot of respect (something he's not used to in the custodian position).
Pat was heart-broken when he heard Joe was gone.
I would like your family to know that the we think of you all quite often and that your father and husband made quite an impression on many people you will never even know about!
You have alot to be proud of in regards to Joe.
Dianne Purdy
November 4, 2001
My Prayers continue for your family. My heart aches for your great loss.
leslie miller
October 22, 2001
Please find strength in each other and in wonderful memories. Our hearts go out to you, always.
BOB & TONI SKOG
October 2, 2001
DEAR PAT AND FAMILY, OUR THOUGHTS
AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AT
THIS TRAGIC TIME. WE REMEMBER WITH
LOVE AND LAUGHTER THE FUN TIMES WE
HAD YEARS AGO WITH JOE.
SINCERELY, BOB & TONI
P.J. McCarty
October 2, 2001
Words cannot express the sorrow so many of us feel in the Municipal Bond departments of so many firms all around the country, including here in California. Our memories of Joe vary, but we all agree that he was a special person who will be greatly missed by friends all around the country. Our thoughts are with you now and always.
John True
September 28, 2001
I am a friend of Kathleen's from Fairfield and I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
j Makowski
September 28, 2001
With deepest Sympathy too the Coppo Family. May God Bless Mr. Coppo and keep his family strong and full of his spirit.
- Manhattan Alumni - class of '97
Catherine McDermott
September 24, 2001
Dennis' memories of Joe are those of warm, compassion and special friendship. Pat, you and the children are always in our prayers. Try to remember that Joe is now an angel watching over you all and he will be there to guide you through this miserable tragedy.
Barbara Bolin
September 23, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
JOSEPH MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
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