Following a storyline like that of his beloved Pittsburgh Pirates, the 2023 campaign of Ken Coppolo ended sooner than we all had hoped. 

Kenneth J. Coppolo, 73, of St. Marys, PA passed away following a brief illness Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at his daughter’s home with his family and grand dogs by his side.

Ken was born March 1, 1950, in St. Marys, son of the late Gerald and Mary Rose Coppolo.  He was a lifelong resident of St. Marys and a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1969.

On October 18, 1975, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he married Jeanne M. Sorg, who survives.  They were blessed to share 47 years of marriage and friendship.

Along with his loving wife, Ken is survived by daughter Carisa Coppolo and her partner, Trent Mason, of Erie, daughter Julie Lapiska and her husband Andy Lapiska, also of Erie; his four grandchildren: Kenna, Reagan, Lucas, and Nathan; his sister, Vicki Coppolo of St. Marys; and by his sisters-in-law and their spouses – Mary and Jef Fritz, Sally and Rick Gabler, Nancy and Nick Budd; as well as his many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Ken was a parishioner of Queen of the World Church and truly loved to work.  A lifelong business owner and entrepreneur, he was most committed to his business as an independent contractor, Coppolo Builders, which recently celebrated its fiftieth year.  While his construction projects stand strong around St. Marys and beyond, the most important thing that Ken built was a strong family.  Nothing made him prouder than seeing his daughters and grandchildren succeed on stage, at sports, and by building loving families of their own.

A selfless man, Ken lived a life guided by kindness and his idea of F.A.M.I.L.Y. (Forget About Me, I Love You). Ken’s “family” extended to include the countless friends who he loved—and brought the light of joy to—with his unwavering smile and sense of humor.  He instilled these strong values and work ethic in his grandchildren who will miss him dearly.

Let’s go Bucs!   We love ‘ya “Hon!”

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass to be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 10:30 AM, concelebrated by Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, and longtime family friend the Very Rev. Michael P. Ferrick.  Military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 4:00 until 6:00 PM.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or a children’s charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com