Philip J. Coppola

Mr. Philip J. Coppola, age 77, of NY Mills and a winter resident of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2013. Although his passing was unexpected, he was in the comfort of his home in Florida, in his favorite space, with a cigar in his hand and his sunglasses upon his face. Born in Kingston, NY on June 30, 1936, Philip was the son of the late Anthony J. and Anna (Moore) Coppola. He attended Utica parochial schools and was a graduate of St. Francis De Sales High School. Following the advice of his parents, Philip enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country stationed in Italy. On April 25, 1964, he married the former Dorothy A. Kelly with whom he shared nearly 32 years. Through their love for one another, they formed compatible parenting skills and upheld many traditional values. His beloved Dorothy passed away on March 26, 1996. Their children are grateful for what their parents imparted to them. Phil worked as a debt collector for Commercial Credit and later as a Computer Programmer at Control Data Corporation, the position from which he retired. Blessed with a quick, witty mind, Phil was a man of strong opinions and great strength of character. Blended with his extremely kind and generous nature, he always did his best to help whenever someone was in need. He was a supportive patriarch who followed the basketball and football games of his children and had an interest in all their activities. In truth, Phil’s children enhanced his life and they were a major motivation of his happiness. Phil held a passion and appreciation for horse racing and was known to wager now and then. He was also a patron of the friendly poker game, and mastered the art of reading and challenging his opponents. He enjoyed traveling, especially on cruises, because he loved boats and the nautical pleasures of cruising, including challenging the odds at the card table, relaxing in the lounge, observing people strolling on deck, and above all, being among family. He was also a great sports spectator, following with great passion college basketball, and his favorite teams, football’s Seattle Seahawks, and baseball’s Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He was a member of the Whitestown Vet’s, and a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Phil thought that all in all, it’s been a good life, and “another day in paradise”. Philip is survived by his son, Stephen Coppola of Utica and Mary Catherine Garofalo; and his daughters and son-in-law, Donna M. Aumiller of Deerfield and Daryl Haskell; keeping close in his heart the memory of his son-in-law, Ryan Aumiller who passed away on March 9, 2012; and Lori and Joseph White of Marcy. He also leaves his cherished grandchildren, Joseph Carlomusto, and Danielle Aumiller. His extended family includes his many nieces, especially Tina Marie Coppola with whom he held a special bond; nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law Virginia Coppola; and family members of his late wife, Dorothy. Phil was honored by his loyal and meaningful friendship with Paulette and Richard Malek and their daughter Lisa. They tended to Phil with support and strength. In Florida, he knew the friendship of Jacque and Rachael Bastien, Hap and Angelo. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Coppola. The family extends appreciation to Phil’s niece, Heather Norton, who resides in Florida and was of great assistance and comfort during his untimely passing; as a funeral director she was so kind in offering her personal and professional attention to every detail in escorting him home. Visitation will be held Sunday from 1:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Philip's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler with Military Honors conferred. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Phil is spending Christmas this year with his wife Dorothy.

Philip J. Coppola

June 30, 1936 - December 16, 2013