of North Little Rock, AR
July 18, 1938 - January 28, 2024
Angelo George Coppola, Sr's life did not come to an end when he passed on Sunday, January 28, 2024. He was a forever young 85 years old. Angelo loved his life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, cousin, uncle, in-law and friend. We are heartbroken to no longer have him with us physically but joyful in the knowledge his spirit is with us still. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to live their lives to the fullest.
Angelo was born in Carlstadt, NJ on July 18, 1938 to Rosa Lorusso and Giorgio Vincenzo Coppola, from Cisternino and Postiglione, Italy respectively. He had two brothers, Anthony (Sonny) the oldest and his identical twin, George. Angelo was known as the Golden Toe at East Rutherford High School in New Jersey because in his senior year he kicked the ball that won the Thanksgiving Day game. Angelo's father died when he was 16 years old and he always said his Boy Scout leader saved his life. Angelo then became an Eagle Scout.
After high school, he joined the US Navy and served in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor from 1958 to 1961. After his Navy service he moved to Beebe, Arkansas. It was there, while enrolled in Arkansas State College, that he met his future wife of sixty years, Evelyn Griffin. Evelyn was editor of the Arkansas State newspaper and interviewed Angelo. One month later they were engaged and married the following summer. At Arkansas State, they both received their Bachelor's degrees and teaching certificates. Evelyn taught History while Angelo taught Social Studies and later was curriculum supervisor at Des Ark High School.
Angelo desired to expand his education so the family moved to Oxford, Mississippi where he received his Master's in Education at Ole Miss. There, he and Evelyn began Mother Goose Kindergarten, Little Lerner School and Rebel Sporting Goods, while raising Dawn and Angelo, Jr. During the time they lived in Oxford, he served as Camp Director at Camp Yocona, as well as Scoutmaster for his local troop. Despite living in exile in the heart of Rebel country, the family remained fierce Razorback fans.
In 1979, the family moved back to Arkansas, settling in North Little Rock. He took his love for scouting further, working as a Professional Scout for the Thunderbird District in Little Rock. He then began his career at the Department of Education, but continued to work with Scouts as Camp Director at Cove Creek. During this time, Angelo and Evelyn started a small Razorback memorabilia store called Hog Heaven which grew to five locations across the state.
In 1986, Angelo and Evelyn sold their house and Hog Heaven and moved to Fayetteville to pursue their advanced degrees. After earning his Doctorate in Education and Evelyn her Master's in History at the University of Arkansas, they moved back to Central Arkansas. He rejoined the Department of Education. Later he became superintendent of schools. Moving back to Central Arkansas, Angelo became Assistant Director of Arkansas Teacher Retirement System and served there in several capacities. He then retired from education. He then trained with his minister, Fred Holmes and worked to become a licensed contractor where he, Angelo Jr and Buzzy Snow (Angelo Jr's father-in-law) started a construction company. All the while, he continued his involvement with the Masons and Boy Scouts.
Angelo joined the Masonic Lodge with his father in-law, Henry Griffin. He was an active Mason his entire adult life. He served his lodge as worshipful master, was Chaplain of the Grand Lodge, active in the York Right, a past High Priest, served as governor of Arkansas College and Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine. For the Scottish Rite, he served as Master of one of their bodies and was coronated a 33rd Degree Mason. At the time of his death, he was serving as secretary of his lodge, Albert Pike 714.
In Scouting, Angelo served as Camp Director for Camp Quapaw in Arkansas and Camp Yocona in Mississippi. He then became the Thunderbird District Executive in North Little Rock. He was awarded the NESA's Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, the District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver, was a Wood Badge Course Director, was on the properties committee for Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM and the Gus Blass Scout Reservation (Cove Creek), was a Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow, Advisor to the Order of the Arrow Lodge, on the Executive Board for the Quapaw Area Council, was very involved with the Alumni of the Quapaw Area Council, was liaison between Eagle Scouts of the Quapaw Area Council and the Masonic Lodge and was one of the founders of the first co-ed Scout troop at Miss Selma's School, Pack 33.
He remained in the Navy Reserves reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer. In 1985, Angelo was commissioned as an officer and retired as LCDR US Navy (Ret) Commander Selectee with 28 years of service. During his time in the Navy, he served on numerous ships and submarines. After retirement from the US Navy, he was a professor for PACE and an adjunct professor for Arkansas State University, Beebe, in the Department of Arts and Sciences under his colleague and beloved friend, Jeannie Meyers of Des Arc, Arkansas.
Angelo's faith in God was strong. Along with Evelyn, Angelo helped start a church in Oxford, Mississippi and he continued to live a life of faith.
Angelo is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his daughter, Dawn; son, Angelo, Jr., MD (Beth); grandchildren Jude, Gabrielle and Vy and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and wonderful lifelong friends.
Angelo was preceded in death by his parents, Rosa Lorusso and Giorgio Vincenzo Coppola; his brothers, Anthony (Sonny) and wife, Jeannette and George Coppola; aunts and uncles; a sister-in-law; brothers-in-law; many cousins; a nephew and a niece.
There will be two memorial services. The first is on February 12, 2024 at the Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery, 1501 W. Maryland in North Little Rock. Those who wish to attend, please arrive at Roller-Owens Funeral Home on JFK in North Little Rock at noon for the procession to the Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery for a service at 1pm. The second memorial will be a celebration at the Albert Pike Masonic Center, 712 Scott Street in Little Rock from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday, February 15, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Natural State Council of BSA (Quapaw Service Area) and/or the Arkansas Scottish Rite Foundation.
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25 Condolence(s)
Michael Ferguson
Monday, April 15, 2024
I am just findinding out about Angelo's passing. I will remember that he was a good man who loved his Family and a great cook. My love and condolences to his family and loved ones.
Arlene Belin
Monday, February 12, 2024
Angelo will be missed in our family! we had so many awesome memories throughout the years! I am blessed to have called him my Brother-in- law! Family time will never be the same without him! Have to laugh at a memory that the Brother-in-law's played on him, being from New Jersey they knew he would be an easy target & told them they were going to take him Sype hunting which he fell for hook like and sinker! Those southern boys got a real kick out of it! Going to miss Angelo but I am so happy that i am assured that we will again be reunited! Until we meet again!
Tim Denny
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Thoughts and Prayers Go out to
The Family of Angelo Coppola
At this difficult time
I proudly served along side Cmdr Coppola In the Navy Reserves Pusan KoreaUnit 109. Glad I got to know himI respected him as a Naval Officer And as my Friend!
Rest easy Sir! We have the Watch!
Hooyah! Go Navy
Annie Robbins
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Angelo was an outstanding Scout and human being. He will be missed. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers for feelings of joy rather than sadness.
Jim Sandman
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Dear Evelyn, family and friends of Angelo,
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at Angelo´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow "Bubblehead" departs on Eternal Patrol. He served with honor in the U.S. Submarine Force.
To our "Brother-of-the-Phin" we say, "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas." Thank you for your service to our country.
Evelyn and family... "may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV).
Jim Sandman, FTC(SS) Ret,
National Chaplain, USSVI.
Linda Bass
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Angelo it was a blessing when you met and married my sister Evelyn. We had many fun family gathering over the years. My heart is broken. Vernon and I will miss you dearly. I am so thankful you asked the Lord into your heart over 60 years ago. I know without a doubt we will see you soon. Sending love till we meet again. "WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR THE NIGHT BUT JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING" PSALMS 30:5
Jacki Burnett Stafford
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
To Angelo’s family, my sincere condolences. I worked with him many times while at the Department of Education. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Pauline
Monday, February 5, 2024
Even from such great distance,
Even without ever meeting in person,
I can tell that Angelo was a wonderful, warm and devoted man. He will be missed but never forgotten..
My sincerest condolences.
Pauline Nuyts
Tom Dotter
Monday, February 5, 2024
Dawn,
While our hearts break for you, we have the confidence knowing that your father now rests in the heavenly realm. We embrace you and send our heart felt condolences.
Warmly,
The South Central Team
Jim Morehead
Sunday, February 4, 2024
The loss of this man was certainly huge to a lot of his friends. Angelo was a friend to a lot
He was a solid individual of integrity and very loyal to his friends. I will miss him very much. I know he is in a better place than this world and is at peace.
Tappan H Jennings
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Evelyn, Angelo, and Dawn. I am so sorry to learn of Angelo's death. He was a great friend and shipmate. I regret I will not be able to attend either of the services as I will be out of state, but you will be in my thoughts and prayers. May he have "Fair Winds and Following Seas" in his journey to Heaven.
Tap
Steve and Holly Hartung
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Steve and I are so sorry to learn of Angelo’s passing. Praying for your family.
Keith Smith
Sunday, February 4, 2024
I’m very sorry Dawn and Angelo. Such a nice man and family. God Nkess
Ashley Bailey
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Ambition seemed like his middle name. Changing and molding so many lives while on his journey through life. My heart is with the family as they learn how to go through life with their new guardian angel.
Wasson and Sharon snow
Saturday, February 3, 2024
God has given us so many blessings during our brief time on this earth. One is the blessing of friendship. Angelo was a treasured part of our family. We shared grandchildren and we were business partners. We mourn for his family but God has promised all who accept Christ as Lord and Savior will be provided a home where there are no tears, no pain, no death. We rejoice in the promise that we will see Angelo again in God's heavenly home. Farewell our friend, until we meet again. Anchors away, my boys, Anchors away.
Wasson and Sharon snow
Saturday, February 3, 2024
God has given us so many blessings during our brief time on this earth. One is the blessing of friendship. Angelo was a treasured part of our family. We shared grandchildren and we were business partners. We mourn for his family but God has promised all who accept Christ as Lord and Savior will be provided a home where there are no tears, no pain, no death. We rejoice in the promise that we will see Angelo again in God's heavenly home. Farewell our friend, until we meet again. Anchors away, my boys, Anchors away.
Wes and Michele Honeycutt
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Honored to have called Angelo our friend and will miss him greatly.
Evelyn, you and Dawn and Angelo are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Jim Morehead
Saturday, February 3, 2024
So sorry to be missing the friendship of Angelo almost on a daily basis! A great man, a great friend and miss him dearly
Robin Smith - Miss Robin
Saturday, February 3, 2024
I met Angelo when his precious granddaughter Vy, enrolled in our school, Miss Selma’s School. Not only did Vy become part of our school, her whole family did, especially her Granddaddy, Angelo. Together, Vy, her family, and our Miss Selma School family became a team . We watched a very timid little girl blossom into a beautiful, talented, outgoing young lady and at the head of that team was her precious grandfather, Angelo. He adored Vy and every child and teacher at our school, and they, too, adored him. What an incredible man. He touched the hearts of everyone, especially those at Miss Selma’s. What an honor It was to be his friend. God bless you, Angelo.
Aunt Lyn and uncle Gregg Gladden
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Jude, Gabrielle, and Vy, our trio of sweet nephew and nieces. We are so sorry that you are missing your Papa. We love you and hope for God’s comfort as you remember all of the good times you had with Papa. He was special, and you were blessed to have him. Our prayers are with all three of you.
Aunt Lyn and Uncle Gregg
Lyn and Gregg Gladden
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Evelyn, Dawn, Angelo, and Beth, we are so very heartbroken for you. I know you were not ready for this, and that you are having to trust God's timing,. We miss Angelo, too. He was a warm and happy spot at all of our family gatherings, at birthdays, and at scout functions - especially Nick's Court of Honor where his speech made it so much more special. All of the grilling and pizza making over the years, all of the hugs and smiles and warm embraces, all of the laughs at family get togethers will be hugely missed. We love you all, and we love Angelo, Sr still, too.
Lyn and Gregg Gladden
Marc Swann
Thursday, February 1, 2024
A good friend and great Scouter. You touched the lives of so many Scouts.
RIP my good friend. You will be missed.
Barry Bray
Thursday, February 1, 2024
What a wonderful, gracious man and an example for others to follow. He brought joy to all he touched and was a joy to be around. Fair winds and following seas sir. BZ
B
Helena Schulze
Thursday, February 1, 2024
We were honored to have Mr. Coppola give a presentation not only at both of our sons Eagle Courts of Honor, but with many of the other Scouts we worked with, who earned the Eagle Rank and were celebrated by him. His presentations were always interesting and inspiring to the other Scouts in attendance. His contribution will live on in the memory of those he touched throughout his life.
Melody and Steve Stanley
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Dear Evelyn and family,
We are sending much love and prayers. Angelo was best neighbor ever. We will miss you. Evelyn we are here if you need anything at all.
Melody and Steve