Dennis Joseph Coppola, Sr.

Dennis Joseph Coppola, Sr., 64, of Fairfield, New Jersey passed away on Saturday January 30, 2016. Beloved husband of Rosalyn (nee Cerchio) Coppola. Loving father of Dennis Jr., Christopher, & Mary Lyn Coppola and Deena & her husband Tadd Lascari. Cherished Bobbo of Jenny and Ella Lascari. Devoted son of the late Joseph & Anna (Gigante) Coppola. Dear brother of Barbara Puglia & her husband Robert, Lorraine Coppola-Levins & her husband Daniel, and Diane Pierce & her husband Christopher. Dennis grew up in Lyndhurst, New Jersey where he met the love of his life, Rosalyn. At the height of the Vietnam War, Dennis decided to do his part for the nation and joined the National Guard. Upon an honorable discharge he worked at Vari Jewelers in North Arlington where his parents taught him the art of being a jeweler. Dennis decided to continue his education in teaching, earning his bachelor's degree at William Paterson College and later a master's degree from Montclair State University. Dennis dedicated the next 33 years of his life to teaching basic skills and math to the children of North Dover Elementary School before retiring in 2007. In 1990 he earned the distinction of Teacher of the Year. Dennis was a very active parishioner of St. Thomas More Church where he practiced his love for Jesus and his devotion to Blessed Mother and St. Teresa as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Knights of Columbus. The passion and love for God, family, friends, students, church community and classic cars shined in his life every day. Family and friends will be received Friday, February 5th 2-4 & 7-9PM at the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 7 Two Bridges Road, Fairfield. Funeral Saturday, February 6th at 9AM from the funeral home. Funeral Mass Saturday 10:30AM St. Thomas More Church. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations may be made to Dennis Coppola Fund for Elementary School Children, c/o Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 7 Two Bridges Road, Fairfield NJ 07004.