John J. “Jack” Coppola, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, was called home to God on 23Aug. A proud third-generation Staten Island native, Jack carried a deep appreciation for his family, his community, and the place he called home. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary (Cupo) Coppola.

Jack enjoyed a distinguished career in the maritime and financial industries, working in corporate finance, accounting, contract administration, and operations. He began his career with Burmah Oil Transport, followed by Intrepid Ship Management Inc. and Maersk Line Limited, where he served as Controller for approximately 15 years. He later continued his career with Horizon Lines LLC. Throughout his professional life, Jack was known for his honesty, sound judgment, and calm leadership. He was a true servant leader who earned the trust and respect of those he worked with and cared deeply for his colleagues.

In 1966, Jack met the love of his life, Rorie (Rapaciuolo), beginning a love story that would span nearly six decades. Their relationship grew through the challenges and joys of life, including Jack’s military service during the Vietnam Conflict. In 1967, Jack was drafted into the Army and deployed to Saigon in 1968, where he served with the 9th Infantry Division in an artillery unit as a trained cannoneer. His service soon revealed another talent when his officers discovered his exceptional ability as a cook, both in skill and presentation. Jack was assigned to the kitchen, where he prepared approximately 200 personalized breakfasts each morning for his fellow Soldiers. He took great pride in caring for his comrades in this way, seeing it as another opportunity to serve those who served alongside him. After returning home, Jack was stationed at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, where he resumed his college studies and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Wagner College in Staten Island, New York.

Jack and Rorie married in 1970, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Together, they created a home filled with family, laughter, and love, and their bond remained the foundation of Jack’s life. His greatest legacy lives on through his children, Danielle O’Ree and her husband, Christopher; COL John Anthony Coppola and his wife, Jennifer; Jacqueline Coppola; and LTC Douglas Coppola. He is also survived by his three grandsons, Alexander and his wife, Sophia; Connor and his fiancée, Hailey; and Bradley and his wife, Kaela; and his great-granddaughter, June Margaret, who brought him immense joy and gave him the cherished opportunity to be a great-grandfather. Jack is also survived by his younger brother, Thomas Coppola and his wife, Denise; his niece, Jennifer, and her husband, Geoff; and his nephew, Christian, and his wife, Megan. He was predeceased by his nephew, Thomas, and is survived by Thomas’s wife, Kathy. In his later years, Jack was lovingly cared for by Irakli “Ika” Kakoishvili, whose compassion, dedication, and friendship enriched Jack’s life for nearly four years.

Jack’s greatest joy came from the people he loved. He was always ready to offer his children his wisdom and sage advice, whether they asked for it or not, and his guidance reflected the love and care he had for his family. He loved to cook, often bringing family and friends together around a good meal, and he loved to drive, taking pleasure in the journey as much as the destination. He enjoyed golfing and dining at Beacon Hill Country Club, where he entertained and enjoyed the company of many friends and family members. Jack was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church for 44 years, where he volunteered at the Agape, served on the Finance Committee, and faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister. He also served as President of the Colts Neck Senior Citizens Club, giving his time and leadership to the community he cherished. Jack will be remembered by his family and friends as a patient and kind man, a true gentleman, and a man whose wisdom, generosity, and warmth touched the lives of everyone around him.

Jack was a guiding light to his family, leading by example and giving his children the foundation, encouragement, and wisdom to build successful lives of their own. He showed them not only how to succeed, but how to live with integrity, kindness, humility, and according to the Golden Rule. Jack’s life was defined by the way he served others, the wisdom he shared, and the love he gave so freely to his family, friends, and community. His presence brought warmth and steadiness to those around him, and his example will continue to guide the people who were fortunate enough to know and love him. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27 from 4pm – 8pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, August 28 at 10am at the Parish of St. Mary, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck. Entombment will follow at Holmdel Mausoleum, Holmdel.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, Jack’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his memory be made to the Parish of St. Mary, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck.

For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Jack, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com