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Alfred Coppola Obituary
COL (Ret.) Alfred A. Coppola, Jr., passed away at home on Monday, December 9th, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Fred leaves behind by his wife of 37 years, Laura M. (Errico) Coppola, also of Norwalk. They were high school sweethearts and married in 1982.
He is survived by his sons Vincent Coppola (Cristina), Dominic Coppola, and his grandchildren Alexander, Grayson, Elias and Annalise. He is additionally survived by sisters Ruth (Ira) Miner, Cynthia (Robert) O'Brien and Audrey Coppola, sister-in-law Kathleen (William) Granata, many family members and a multitude of friends.
Fred was born on Dec. 6, 1958 in Galveston, TX, to the late Alfred A. and Christine (Ringer) Coppola, Sr. He first moved to Stamford, CT and then to Norwalk, where he played youth football, and Babe Ruth baseball. He attended St. Luke's, in New Canaan, where he played football and baseball, graduating in 1977. He then entered the USMA at West Point, NY. While there, he was a standout on the Lightweight Football Team. As their captain in 1980, they became the EILFL champions, with an undefeated season.
Fred graduated in 1981 and received his commission into the U.S. Army, in the Field Artillery. He was assigned to multiple locations in the U.S. and Europe during his 26 year career, and received many awards and decorations. After his military retirement in 2007, Fred joined the Dept. of the Army as a civilian and retired in 2019.
Fred loved to fish, hunt, and play golf. He was passionate about coaching youth football, baseball and lacrosse, teaching life lessons in addition to skills. His family always came first and the highlight of his life was the birth of his grandchildren.
Fred dedicated 42 years to the service of this country and the soldiers who defend it. He was a mentor, a leader, a loyal friend, a competitor, a voice of reason and a generous man.
Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, December 16, 2019, from 4-8 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue in Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Rd., Norwalk. Burial will be at West Point at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Jimmy Fund
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 31, 2019
Was shocked to hear of Fred's passing. We were high school classmates, captained our football team together and were good friends. My condolences to Laura and family. Way too young. We're so very sorry.
Eric Angione
Minden, Nevada
December 19, 2019
I met Fred when he was stationed at the Pentagon in acquisition. A fellow Redleg and grad, we hit it off and stayed in touch over the years when he moved up to Picatinny and later. A great professional who served the country but looked after his family as well. I am shocked and saddened to learn of Fred's passing. I can only offer my sincerest condolences to the family but know that his memory will remain in their hearts and bring a smile to their faces when they think of him. Well done, Fred! be thou at peace!
Larry Clark, USMA '70
Julie First-Williams
December 18, 2019
Laura, My thoughts are with you and your family during this, one of life's most difficult travails. I'm sending you a lifetime supply of virtual hugs. Julie
Samuel HARTWELL
December 16, 2019
I was a teammate of Fred's on the 150's football team at West Point. We were both on the defensive line during our 3rd year at USMA. He lived a great life of service to his country. I admired him greatly and sadly didn't see him much after graduation. I'm deeply saddened that he leaves his family and friends at such a young age. He was an awesome, first class human being who lived a great life.
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December 13, 2019
From one retired service member to another, thank you for your dedicated service to our great nation. Rest in peace brother and I salute you sir! G.J. Pacelli Jr. USN (Ret). Norfolk, VA
Billy Ensign
December 13, 2019
I remember Mr. Coppola following St Luke's football in a rainy drizzle, up and down the sideline some 45 years ago like it was yesterday. Goodspeed to Laura and all the family.
Marge Amoroso
December 13, 2019
Dear Ruth and family:
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I know he will be greatly missed.
Marilyn Mastrianna
December 13, 2019
Knew Fred from years ago. Sorry to hear of his passing. We send our sympathy and condolences to the family. Marilyn (Gulyas) Mastrianna
December 12, 2019
Thank you for your years of honorable service to our country and to our soldiers. Men like you make this country remarkable.
May you now rest in eternal peace with your brothers in arms.
A grateful American
Frances Cyboski Uva
December 12, 2019
Dear Ruth and entire Coppola Family,
May God comfort all of you.
Fred leaves behind a beautiful legacy.
Sincerely,
Steve Russo
December 12, 2019
Good bye, Freddie. Your picture says it all- always a smile and a laugh. You'll be greatly missed. At ease, Soldier .. you've so earned your rest.
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92 East Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851
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