Richard A. "Dick" Coppola

Mr. Richard A. “Dick” Coppola, age 76, of Utica, passed away after a lengthy illness on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Amsterdam, NY on December 11, 1932, Richard was the son of the late Anthony and Anna (Moore) Coppola. He was raised and educated in Utica and attended local schools. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, he served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955). It was on October 25, 1952 at Holy Trinity Church, he married the former Virginia Janucik with whom he shared nearly 57 years in a marvelous and blessed union filled with mutual love and devotion. Dick worked as a truck driver with the Akron Chicago Trucking Company from 1955-1968, and later owned and operated the J.T. General Store, retiring in 1994. Dick was easy going, humorous, helpful, and always willing to lend a hand or share his talents, if needed. His family was the focus of his true devotion, from his wife to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For recreation, he enjoyed golfing, especially in leagues in Florida and locally at the Roselawn. He became an avid horse racing enthusiast while residing in Florida during the winter months, and he also liked to try his hand at games of chance at the casinos in Florida and New York. He volunteered many years with the Royaleers Drum & Bugle Corps as a band manager. He was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Dick is survived by his wife, Virginia; his daughters, Tina Marie Coppola of Utica, and Christine and Stephen Coffin of Marcy; his son and daughter-in-law, Richard A., Jr. and MaryAnn Coppola of N. Syracuse; his grandchildren, Heather and Douglas Norton of Orange City, FL, Brian Coppola of N. Syracuse, Kevin Coppola of Utica, and Michelle Coppola of N. Syracuse; and his great-grandchildren, Anna Christine Norton, and Trinity Paige Norton. Survivors also include his brother, Philip J. “Phil” Coppola; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and brother-in-law, Martin Pikul of Beaver, PA. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William L. and Sadie M. Janucik; and his in-laws, Dorothy A. Coppola, Patricia Pikul, and Richard "Joe" and Bonnie Janucik. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of the 6th Floor at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially acknowledging Sara for all the care and compassion shown to Dick and his family. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Richard’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday afternoon at 12:00 noon from the funeral home and at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. A committal service will follow with Military Honors conferred by the United States Army, with interment in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Richard A. "Dick" Coppola

December 11, 1932 - September 2, 2009