New Canaan, Connecticut
Every Kid's Coach
"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.
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.
John Sheehan
September 11, 2023 | New Paltz, NY | Friend
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.
Gene Brugger
December 30, 2022 | School
Remembering Joseph on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Cindy Roe
September 05, 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
Del Newberry
May 20, 2021 | Heartland, TX
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
Susan S. Moss
October 11, 2019 | New Canaan, CT | Neighbor
Remembered By
August 28, 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.
Neil Mooney
August 03, 2017 | Tallahassee, FL
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.
Eddie Benz
September 11, 2016 | Lake Worth, FL
Happy Birthday in Heaven Joe.
Tom Cahill
December 10, 2013 | Queensbury, NY
