Angelo Joseph Coppola

Angelo Joseph Coppola, 83, of Southington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 1, 2025, at the Southington Care Center. He was born in Southington on September 3, 1942, to the late Albert and Violet (DePaolo) Coppola.

Angelo dedicated his life to faith, education, and service to others. He earned his Ph.D. in Education from Fordham University, a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Bridgeport, Masters’ in School Psychology and Guidance Counseling from Fairfield University, and a Bachelor’s in Education from Providence College. Angelo spent 40 years as a devoted educator, guidance counselor, school psychologist, research and evaluation specialist, director of special education, and Assistant Superintendent of schools across Southington, Meriden, Terryville/Plymouth, and the University of Hartford. His passion for teaching and mentoring shaped the lives of countless students and colleagues throughout his long and distinguished career.

On June 6, 1990, Angelo was ordained as a permanent deacon of the Catholic Church. He faithfully served the Archdiocese of Hartford for over 30 years, ministering at both St. Thomas and St. Aloysius Churches in Southington. His deep faith and compassionate spirit touched all who knew him, and his presence was a true blessing to his parish communities.

Beyond his professional and religious commitments, Angelo gave generously of his time and talents to his community. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Southington, served on the Board of Directors for Bradley Memorial Hospital, volunteered with the Southington Civitan Club and served as a counselor in the Prison Ministry at Cheshire Correctional Facility. He also served on the Southington Board of Ethics, St. Thomas School Board and Parish Council and volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul Shelter.

His many achievements reflected a lifetime of dedication and service. Angelo received the Unico Gold Medal of Honor—Citizen of the Year Award, Educator of the Year and was inducted twice into the National Honor Society.

Angelo is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Marilyn (Flynn) Coppola of Southington; his son, Paul Coppola and his wife Heather; and his cherished grandchildren, Tyler and Ava Coppola. He also leaves his brother, Albert Coppola and his wife Joan; and his sister-in-law, Maureen Drzewiecki. Angelo will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Frank Drzewiecki and Thomas Flynn.

Angelo’s faith, wisdom, and compassion left an indelible mark on his family, friends, students, and community. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know him. Outside of his professional, spiritual, and community work, he found joy with his family and friends, enjoyed golfing and took tremendous pride in his garden. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Orchards at Southington and Southington Care for their unwavering care and dedication.

A visitation for Angelo will be held at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St, Plantsville, CT, 06479, on Sunday November 9, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm with the Office of the Dead being offered at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Aloysius Church on Monday November 10, 2025, at 11:00 am. All are asked to gather directly at the church just prior to Mass. Burial will follow at Saint Thomas Cemetery, Meriden Ave, Southington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Angelo’s name may be made to St. Luke Parish at https://www.stlukect.org/give, the United Way of Southington at https://www.unitedwayofsouthington.org/donate, The Dr. Angelo J. Coppola Scholarship Fund c/o Egidio Lennon Wealth Management 20 Realty Dr. Cheshire, CT 06410, or to a charity of one’s choice.

To leave a message of remembrance for the family please visit: www.DellaVecchiaSouthington.com