Michael James Lacopo

Michael James Lacopo, 88, of Boulder, Colorado, passed away on November 12, 2023, of natural causes. Mike was born in South Bend, Indiana, on November 16, 1934. He grew up both there and in Long Island, NY. He attended Chaminade High School and Columbia University, where he excelled academically and athletically. He attended Fairfield University (B.S. in English and Philosophy) and Middlebury College (M.A. in English Literature). He served in the U.S. Marines from 1956 to 1958.

In 1956, Mike met Charlotte Hill. They were married on June 11, 1960, and started a family based on the values of compassion and education (and excellent Italian and Lebanese food). That same year, 1960, Mike returned to his high school alma mater, Chaminade, to teach English and coach football. A few years later, he returned to Columbia to work as Director of Admissions before becoming Headmaster at the Horace Mann School in the Bronx, NY, and the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, LA. Everywhere Mike went, he stressed the importance of diversity. Diversity in thought, in curriculum, in faculty and in student body.

He also shared his passion for sport and competition: starring as a fullback, linebacker, punt returner in high school and college, a potential pro career derailed by a few too many concussions. He enjoyed boxing while in the Marine Corps. He was one of the founding members of New York’s Old Blue Rugby team started by Columbia University alumni. He taught himself how to play tennis in the late 1960’s and, a few years later, began winning club and regional tournaments on the east coast. In his late 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s - golf. Whatever sport Mike pursued, he did so with enthusiasm, focus and skill. In addition, whether it was Crunch Fitness, The Colorado Athletic Club or a Holiday Inn in the middle of nowhere, Mike almost never missed a day at the gym.

And he shared his passion for reading. Mike loved books: novels from Updike, Fitzgerald, and Toibin to Ferrante, de Giovanni, and Leon. Among his favorite poets were Stevens, Yeats, and Wordsworth. He loved teaching Gulliver’s Travels, in particular. And he delighted in every important book on Italian Renaissance art.

During their Boulder years, Mike and Charlotte were Friends of the Colorado Music Festival. He loved Cafe Blue, good wine and good conversation with good friends.

Mike is preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, his daughter, Claudia, his son, Mike, his daughter-in-law Sara, his parents, Michael and Verna, his parents-in-law Florence and Frederick Hill, his brother John, his sister-in-law Barbara, his nephew Bill, and his daughter-in-law’s father, Jim Kelley. He is survived by his brother Matt, brother-in-law Bill, his sisters-in-law Sylvia and Vickey, his sons Jay and Chris, his grandson, Jack, nieces Susie, Claudia, Stacey, Mary, Caren, his nephew Evan, and their families. He is survived also by Craig Hafner, Patricia Kelley, Margot Kelley, David and Phoebe Kelley, Wendell and Tim Pohlman, and their families. Mike will be remembered by his friends, in Boulder and NYC and around the country and beyond, and by the many students and colleagues he inspired along the way.

In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to the West End School in Louisville, KY https://westendschool.kindful.com/?campaign=1063201, started 17 years ago by Robert and Debbie Blair, close friends of Mike and Charlotte and all the Lacopos.

A celebration of life for Michael will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel, 326 Terry St., Longmont, Colorado 80501.