Joseph R. Coppola

He was born on September 28, 1930, in West Springfield, Massachusetts to Emilia and Gaetano Coppola. He was the youngest of three children.

Joe graduated from Technical High School in Springfield, Massachusetts. As he was only 16 years old upon graduating, he worked until being drafted into the US Army. His was the first unit that was deployed to Germany during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged and soon attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and graduated with BS degree in mechanical engineering.

Upon graduation, he was accepted into the Manufacturing Training Program of the General Electric Company. It is a three-year program exposing the candidate to all aspects of manufacturing. Upon graduation, he worked at several GE locations including Syracuse, NY., Daytona Beach, Fl., Schenectady, NY., and Erie, Pa.

After serving 17 years with GE, he was hired to work at Gardner Denver Company in Quincy, Il. A few years later, Gardner Denver Company was acquired by Cooper Industries and Joe was moved to Dallas, Tx. until promoted to Cooper’s headquarters in Houston, Tx. as Executive Vice President.

During his career, he served on several company boards including Belden Wire and Cable, Colten/B.F. Goodrich and Giddings & Lewis. In 1993, he was named CEO and President of Giddings & Lewis in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He served there until retiring in 1997 to Naples, Fl.

Joe met his wife, Peggy, at a wedding where he was the best man and she was a bridesmaid. They were married two years later and recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. They have 5 wonderful children: Richard, Susan , Joseph (deceased) Judith and John. They also have 8 special grandchildren and one great grandson.

Joe loved his family but also enjoyed his hobbies, including reading, puzzles but especially golf where he was captain of a group of “like” golfers at Quail Creek Country Club in Naples. He was very active physically and even had his morning run while traveling and working in foreign countries. He was a member of many local organizations including Naples Greater Leadership, class number 3; Town Hall, Forum Club, Naples Philharmonic, Latchkey League, Circumnavigators Club, and served on the Board of Club Brittany Condominium for many years including President for 5 years. Although his work required traveling a lot, his joy of traveling with family was the happiest.

Joe’s love of his Catholic faith was strong and, in Naples, was a member of Saint William parish where, when possible, attended daily Mass.

He is survived by his loving family including his wife, Peggy; children Richard and wife Debbie; Susan Lamb and husband Scott; Judy Retz and husband Andy; son John and daughter-law Tammie Coppola (widow of son, Joseph). Grandchildren include Andrew Lamb and wife Mica; Connor Hamblett and wife Chelsea; Cameron Hamblett; Adam Lamb; Francesca Coppola, Bella Coppola; Ashlyn Lamb; Mia Coppola and great grandson William Lamb.

Joe is predeceased by his parents, his sister Carmela Coppola, his brother, Thomas Coppola and son, Joseph.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint William Parish, 601 Seagate Dr. Naples, Fl. at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or a charity of your choice.

Interment will be private.