James Coppola

COPPOLA, JAMES C., age 61, of Lantern Lane, Warwick, died unexpectedly on Friday, September 23, 2011. He was the husband of Mona R. (Salisbury) Coppola for 21 years. Born in Providence, a son of James and Doreen C. (Knowles) Coppola of North Smithfield, he lived in Warwick for most of his life. He was a 1972 graduate of the University of Rhode Island, and earned his MBA at Bryant University. He had served with the RI Air National Guard. Jimmy was employed as a Senior Vice President of BETA Group, Inc. in Lincoln. He worked at the firm for more than 23 years. Prior to that, he was employed by the City of Warwick in the Planning Department. During his career, Jim was very active in the American Public Works Association (APWA). He rose to the position of President of the New England Chapter of APWA in 2007. The culmination of his dedication to the Chapter was being selected to receive the Harry S. Swearingen Award in 2010. The award recognized one member nationally for their achievement and excellence in Chapter service. An avid sailor, he was a captain, and author of several published articles on sailing. Besides his wife and parents, he leaves a sister, Sidra A. Nikolyszyn and her husband Oleg of North Smithfield; a brother, David M. Coppola and his wife Donna of Coral Springs, FL; and several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, September 27, from 4-7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., in the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick. If desired, contributions in his memory may be made to Crossroads RI, 160 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02903, or Rhode Island Family Shelter, 165 Beach Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889.