John A. Coppola, 80, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at his home in Boston, MA on October 1, 2023.

John Anthony Coppola was born in Boston, MA on June 11, 1943. Raised in Jamaica Plain, John was the youngest of Angelo and Margaret (Ronan) Coppola's four children. His birth order was reflected in his life-long youthful look, and he was often mistaken as the son of one of his siblings. A graduate of Boston College High School and Boston College, he valued his Jesuit education and its emphasis on "being a man for others." While he enjoyed a long and successful real estate career as a respected and trusted leader in the Boston community, it was service to others and love for family that made John most proud. His four children were the center of his life, and his four grandchildren gave him endless joy. In 1995, he married the love of his life, Martha Stone Harley. Their global adventures, mutual admiration, shared laughter, and infinite love for one another inspired everyone.

Although John shunned recognition, his civic and charitable endeavors impacted countless lives. In addition to serving as President of the Rental Housing Association for years, he was a generous supporter and tireless volunteer for many organizations close to his heart.  He followed in his father's footsteps as a long-time board member of the Italian Home for Children and passionately supported the Mission Grammar School, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, particularly in the area of Parkinson's Research, to name a few.

John was happiest when boating, skiing, golfing, and caring for a menagerie of pets. Most do not know that he ran several marathons in Boston and Europe!  He was admired for his wonderful way with words, his gentleness, his love for animals, his sense of humor, and most of all his humility. John often said that the secret to life is to "be kind."

John is survived by his wife Martha, and his children Kristin Coppola (and Francoise), Richard Coppola, Melissa C. Hegarty (and Patrick), and Margaret Coppola. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Owen Coppola and Catherine, John, and Michael Hegarty. John is also survived by his sister Mary Devine, his brother Joseph (and Susan).  He is predeceased by his sister, Eleanor C. Brown.  His brother-in-law, Walter Devine, and nephew Paul Coppola.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on the corner of Harvard Street and Linden Place in Brookline, MA on Monday, October 9, 2023, at 11:00 am.  Visiting hours at the church will be held on Monday morning from 10:00 am until 11:00 am.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to support Parkinson's research under Dr. Vik Khurana at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Checks can be made payable to Brigham and Women's Hospital with "in memory of John Coppola" in the memo line and mailed to Brigham and Women's Hospital, Development Office, 263 Huntington Avenue, #318, Boston, MA 02115-4506. To make a gift online or for more information, please visit www.bwhgiving.org/memorial

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