Brendan Paul Coppinger

Brendan Paul Coppinger, 45, passed away in Washington, DC on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Brendan was born on January 18, 1980 in Washington, DC to Sandee and Paul Coppinger. While growing up in Bethesda, Maryland he attended St. Jane de Chantal, Holy Cross, and Gonzaga College High School and spent his summers in Sherwood Forest. He graduated from Mount St. Mary's, earned his law degree at Loyola of New Orleans, and completed his LLM at the University of Denver.
Brendan was a devoted son, brother, and father with a smile beyond compare. He was in his element in Sherwood Forest as a camper, counselor, and member of the maintenance crew. At Gonzaga he was a fearless long-pole lacrosse player, freshman lacrosse coach, and a history and economics teacher - making the most of some of his favorite things. As a son of Ireland, he cherished his time spent studying and traveling in the home of his ancestors. Brendan was a culinary artist whose cooking shone with real Louisiana flavor after his time in New Orleans. A lifelong student of philosophy, history, and the natural world, Brendan welcomed the chance to discuss his latest thoughts and ideas. He was a lover of green spaces, a citizen concerned for justice and the environment, and one who sought solace in the beauty of nature. Brendan was a modest soul who never wanted his own birthday party but always strove to make others smile or to lend a helping hand. He most recently was a tax attorney in industry and government and loved living on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Brendan was a proud father who loved his children endlessly.
Brendan is survived by his children Sloane and Kai and their mother Nessa Coppinger of Castle Pines, CO; his parents Paul and Sandee Coppinger of Sherwood Forest, MD; and his siblings Carrie Coppinger (Tod) O'Donovan of Villanova, PA, Matthew (Michelle) Coppinger of Bear, DE, and Stephen (Maggie) Coppinger of Potomac, MD. He will be remembered by his nieces and nephews Quinn, Grace, and Shea O'Donovan, Emily and Blake Coppinger, and Gill, Dottie, and Hobbes Coppinger. Brendan loved his friends and family fiercely and will be deeply missed by those who loved him.
A celebration of Brendan's life will take place on Saturday, August 2nd at 4pm in Stewart Hall, 136 Sherwood Forest Road, Annapolis, MD 21405. Guests should plan on comfortable, colorful attire for this non-airconditioned venue. The gate code for this event is #3200.
If you have stories, photos, or songs you would like to share that remind you of Brendan, please post them in the comments.
A memorial fund honoring Brendan's life and legacy through programs at the Sherwood Forest Boys and Girls Camp is being established. More information will follow.
We all thank you for your love and support.