John Coppa

1951 - 2023

John Coppa

John C. Johnny Coppa. 71, formerly of Providence and North Kingstown, passed away on November 28, 2023. He was born in Baltimore, MD on December 7, 1951, the beloved son of Dr. Vito Coppa and Elda (Petrucci) Coppa.

John graduated from Classical High School, Dean Junior College, and the University of Rhode Island. He was self-employed and held a variety of jobs through the years. At one time John owned a Volkswagen repair shop in North Kingstown and for a period of time he delivered boats to the Virgin Islands. John lived on St. Thomas at different points in his life and enjoyed the warmth of the Caribbean sun. John was most comfortable on the water, and his nautical skills and knowledge were a gift. Over the years the family had many boats, both power and sail, and John enjoyed them all with his friends and family. He started competitive sailboat racing out of the Wickford Yacht Club. John introduced numerous people to boating on Narragansett Bay by taking them on Special Delivery, the family's sloop, which John still enjoyed this summer with his siblings. John and his former wife, Susan Botelho, also spent much time racing and exploring the Bay.

An avid reader who never forgot a detail, John could converse on just about any topic, and he enjoyed talking to family, friends and strangers alike. John deeply loved his music, especially early rock and folk, and once wrote a college paper on Bob Dylan. A free spirit, John accepted the challenges that that entailed. He had a kind heart and a sweet nature, and he will be greatly missed by his six siblings and his many old friends.

John is survived by four brothers: Gregory (Abigail), Michael (Denise), Frank, and Thomas (Melinda) and his two sisters, Genevieve Meegan (David) and Susan Coppa-Collins (David). He is also survived by thirteen nieces and nephews: Alexis, Andy, Charlie and Ted Coppa; Matthew, Celia and Peter Meegan; Jason and Jesse Coppa; Timothy, Amanda and Sabrina Coppa, and David Collins III and their families. John has numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements were made by Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home of North Kingstown. Burial was at Swan Point Cemetery, Providence.