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Ronald John Coppola July 29, 1934 - March 28, 2015

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Date of Funeral

April 1, 2015

Ronald John Coppola, 80, of Iva, SC passed away at his home on Saturday, March 28, 2015 comforted by his wife, Gail McAlister Coppola, and daughters: Nancy Ray and Cheryl Cicotti.

Born in Elmira, NY in 1934 to the late John and Pearl Coppola; he was a veteran of the US Navy. He moved to Orlando, FL in 1953 and worked for Lockheed Martin for 32 years. He worked with the Orlando Police Reserves, earning the rank of Lieutenant. He was honored in 1977 by the Exchange Club as Orlando’s Police Officer of the year. In 1978 he was named Florida’s Police Officer of the year, presented by the American Legion Post 60.

In his early years, he enjoyed Drag Racing and was an early member of the NHRA. Never one to sit still, Mr. Coppola enjoyed bowling, golfing, and hunting. He was an avid coin collector but his passion was shooting. He was an expert marksman and won several shooting tournaments.

In 1992, Mr. Coppola moved to South Carolina and married his wife Gail in 1996. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters: Cheryl Cicotti (Mario) of Longwood, FL, Nancy Ray (Bill) of Eva, TN, Janet Lindsey (Steve) of New Salisbury, IN, Melissa Blakely (Trace) of Orlando, FL, Wanda Trotter (Preston) of Iva, SC, Denise Russell (Patrick), of Belton, SC, and Barbara Akridge (Randy), of Simpsonville, SC; 14 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is also predeceased by a sister Joan Higgins.

Services will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Sosebee Mortuary, South Chapel, officiated by Rev. Fred Scarborough at 2pm. Private burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family will be at the home and will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday at the Mortuary from 12:30pm to 2pm.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.sosebeemortuary.com.

Sosebee Mortuary and Crematory, South Chapel, is assisting the family.

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