Peter E Coppa

He was born June 29, 1936, in Richwood, West Virginia, to parents Eligio and Filomena (Vitello) Coppa, who entered the United States through Ellis Island, New York from Ponza Island, Italy. Pete proudly served his country as a paratrooper, completing many jumps for the US Army. Most of Pete's working years were spent as a welder. He was the best of the best. He took great pride in his workmanship. He could weld anything and was noticed for his straight lines and skills. He was brought in to complete what others couldn't imagine, the undercover jobs. He later worked at the GM Lordstown plant where he retired as part of the maintenance crew, the last of the dinosaurs, as he called his group of co-workers.

Pete’s love for flying continued as he earned his private pilot’s license when he was in his 50’s. He enjoyed flying with his family and friends, and also built and flew his own ultralight.

After retiring, he spent many winters in Florida and Gulf Shores, Alabama. While Pete loved being in the sky, he also enjoyed the water. He enjoyed kayaking, fishing, and riding on his pontoon boat. He would often go camping in his fifth-wheel and enjoyed photography. Pete loved being behind the camera, he captured his life adventures, family events and natures beauty with his photography skills. He also found joy in gardening, flowers and vegetables. He could be found in the backyard admiring his gardens. He loved cooking, baking and having family to join in the meal. Pete enjoyed tinkering and making wood crafts.

Pete was a very proud family man. The home he shared with his wife Sandy, was always open to his children and their families. During these visits he would share the stories of his life, that would take you on the adventures he had as a kid, in the military, work and flying.

Pete is survived by his beloved wife Sandra (Korpita) Coppa, who he married September 13, 1994. He is also survived by his children: Cathy (Tom) Rasinen, Rick Coppa, and Sue (Scott) Riemenschneider, his grandchildren: Ryan (Shelley), Casey (Linde), and Jamie (Emily) Rasinen, Tim, Rick, and Nick Coppa, Carlie Friess, and Cora Riemenschneider, great-grandchildren: Heath, Hunter, Parker, Remi, Riley, Noah, Sarah, and Matthew, as well as his brother Dominic (Margaret) Coppa, along with loving brother and sister-in-laws, and generations of nieces and nephews.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Mario and Annielo (twins), Silverio (Sylvester), Giuseppe (Joseph), sister Mary and all their spouses, as well as his father and mother-in-law Harry and Cora Korpita.

Friends and family will be received Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM with Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Reverend Zachary Coulter at 11:00 AM at St. Peter of the Fields Catholic Church, 3487 Old Forge Rd, Rootstown, OH 44272. Interment will follow with military honors at St. Peter of the Fields Cemetery.

The family would like to Thank and express their sincere gratitude to the Doctors, nurses, aids, clergy and staff at UH Medical Center Portage and Cleveland. Special Thank you Pete's final nurse Shade for her love and caring hands and open ears that graced and cared for him during his final days here on earth.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pete’s memory to the American Heart Association.