Gene Koppa

Gene "Geno" Koppa was reunited with his late wife Pamela Koenig in the early morning of Sunday, July 27th, 2025, at the age of 79 in Garfield Heights, Ohio. His granddaughter Ivy and her husband Zach were with him shortly before his passing to say goodbye on behalf of everyone who loved him.
He will be remembered for not only his perfectly delivered sarcasm, but his great wisdom. He was a rock to so many of us in our darkest hours. His brutal honesty was always accompanied by kindness, understanding, and acceptance. He was truly a man that did not judge others. The relationships with his friends and family were most important to him.
Gene found comfort and acceptance for himself inside the rooms of AA. He dedicated his life to the program, co-founded a group with his late wife Pam, went on many 12-step calls and was always eager to welcome all newcomers. He made a point to shake every single person's hand inside and outside of those rooms. It was his mission in life to ease the suffering of all he met and to let them know that he saw them and that they mattered. He took pride in his sobriety, maintaining 45 years in the program.
His dedication to AA was only surpassed by his love for his family. He is survived by the daughters he raised and their families: Heather Fitzgerald and Charity Koenig (Jim M). Allyn Neff (Greg), Ivy Kingsley (Zach) and Morgan Fitzgerald (Vince A). Great-grandson Xander Neff.
His nieces, Renee Koppa and Shari McCarthy were very important to Gene. As were his sons, the Kirtleys: John (Devina) and Chris (Lesle) and their children Christopher, Austin, and Jamie (his heart).
He was predeceased by his wife Pamela Koenig, his parents Helen and Charles Koppa and his big brother Peter Koppa. A memorial service will be held at an AA meeting location that Gene frequented on Saturday, August 16th from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Saharid Social Center, 15325 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44142.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Cleveland Alcoholics Anonymous chapter using the link/instructions below.
Link: https://www.aacle.org/donate/
• After choosing donation frequency and amount: select "Home Group" o Home Group Name: Garfield Wednesday • Select "Tribute This Gift" o Type "In Memory of Gene Koppa"