Leonard Paul Coppola

Leonard Paul Coppola, age 82 formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away with his family by his side at Courtyard Healthcare Center in Goshen after a brief illness.  Leonard was born June 19, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Natale and Mildred (Kolodziej) Coppola.  Leonard was a graduate of Ludington High School, and prior to enlisting in the US Army, he and his father and brother opened “3C’s Recreation,” a pool and billiards parlor.  Once enlisted in the Army, he served his country in the honorably for 21 years, and 4 months prior to his retirement as a Sergeant First Class (E-7).  Leonard served during the Vietnam War where he earned many decorations, citations, and medals.  While serving in Okinawa, he met Suga “Susie” Tiara and they were married on July 16, 1970 in Naha, Okinawa.  Suga preceded Leonard in death, passing away on November 5, 2020.

Surviving is their daughter Cindy (Chris) Adams of Osceola, Indiana, and his children, Leonard P. (Nancy) Coppola Jr. of Buna, Texas, Theresa (Bill) Mahan and Tina (Tim) Tiller, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He is also survived by his siblings Samuel Coppola of Muskegon, Michigan, Joseph (Pam) Coppola of Ocean Springs, Misssissippi, Angie Coppola of Stevensville, Michigan.  Also surviving are 8 grandchildren, including Nicholas Adams, who he enjoyed watching bowl in many local and state and national tournaments, several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  Leonard was preceded in death by his son Anthony Coppola in 1999.

Since Suga and Leonard passed away such a short time apart, a celebration to honor both of their lives will be held on Monday, January 18, 2021 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  Friends may visit with the family 2 hours prior to the 7:00 pm funeral service with Reverend Laurie Davis officiating.   There will also be a celebration of both of their lives for their friends in the greater Indianapolis area at a later date at Ft. Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana and they will later be laid to rest together in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. Their service on Monday, January 18, 2021 may be streamed in real time by following this link: http://us02web.zoom.us/j/5746748689 . Those joining the service will be admitted into the virtual lobby one half hour prior to the beginning of the Celebration of Len and Susie's lives.

Following his retirement from the US Army in May of 1977, Leonard used the GI Bill to go to college where he earned a degree in accounting from Indiana University.  He used his knowledge from the service and his degree in accounting to work as a civilian at the US Army Air Force Finance Center, Building One at Ft. Benjamin Harrison until his retirement in 1994.

His memberships include the VFW Post 7119, Fort Harrison, Indiana, the Millersville Masonic Lodge #126 of Indianapolis, the Scottish Rite and the Murat Shrine.  He also had a profound love of genealogy. He and his brother Sam spent many hours researching and documenting the Coppola family tree. Leonard also enjoyed studying stamps and coins from around the world.

For many years, Leonard was an avid supporter of his family’s sport, bowling. In his memory, donations may be made to the “Best of Our Bowling Sircle”, a not-for-profit group that connects bowlers of all ages to form teams to compete in tournaments where the bowlers begin as strangers and leave as family.  Donations may be sent to PO Box 1481 Mishawaka, IN 46544.  For Leonard’s lifelong service to his country, the family would also like to give the option for donations to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45250 or online at www.dav.org/donate.

To leave an online condolence or light a virtual candle in his memory, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.