John R. “Jughead” Copeland, 87, of Smethport, passed away Thursday (April 3, 2025) at his home in Smethport, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 24, 1937 in Turtle Creek, PA, the son of Henry Copeland and Pearl Nellis, as well as his stepfather George “Bud” Young and stepmother Dee Copeland. On August 25, 1979, in Plum, Pennsylvania, he married Calonae Dawne Nelson, who passed away on December 2, 2024.

Mr. Copeland was an EN3, serving honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959 on the USS Strickland.

He then worked as a generator mechanic traveling all over the world for Westinghouse of Pittsburgh, PA, until he retired in 2007.

John enjoyed golfing, reading the morning newspaper, watching westerns, a cold dark draft beer and a good tomato. 

He was loved and will be missed deeply by those who survive:

A daughter: Cindy Hamilton of Smethport

Grandchildren: Christi (Garry) Kisko, Tanya (Ryan) Brown, William Gaskin, Brianna (Ron) Hunter, Robert and Jason Sherry, and Paul Betters.

Great grandchildren: Justin (Jenna) Burgess, Kadence (Valerie) Kisko, Baylee and Hayden Brown, Blandon, Korbin and Trent Hunter

Great-Great Grandson: Kian Kisko

One brother: William (JoAnn) Copeland 

One sister: Marsha (Tom) Silvo        

And several nieces and nephews,

In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by his daughters Michele Sherry and Monique Overly, son-in-law Alan Hamilton, and grandson Mark McCracken.

In keeping with John’s wishes, funeral services will be held privately with the family. A public celebration of life will be held on April 17th at 12:30 pm at the Smethport VFWMemorials, if desired, may be made to Potter County Hospice or VFW Post #2497 of Smethport. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

John’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to his hospice nurse, Gert, and aide, Faith, as well as all of the home health professionals who provided excellent care to him over the past few months to honor his wishes of staying at home.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport