State Representative

Michael J. Coppola, a former barber turned entrepreneur who left the private sector and built a legacy of public service spanning 25 years, died Friday, August 26 at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. He was the husband of Virginia (Moore) Coppola.

Coppola, 62, had been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2003. He had been in remission but had a relapse several months ago, and his condition had deteriorated since then.

Coppola was in the midst of his third term representing the 1st Bristol District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He was first elected in November 2000, then ran unopposed in both 2002 and 2004. At the time of his death, he was assigned to legislative committees on public safety, energy, taxation and human services & elderly affairs.

The district includes all of Foxboro and three voting precincts in both Norton and Mansfield.

A Roslindale native, he moved to Foxboro with his wife in 1979 and quickly became involved in local government. Beginning in 1980, he served 9 years on the town Planning Board, and then 12 more on the Board of Selectmen – also serving in an appointed capacity on numerous review panels and ad hoc committees.

In winning election to the State House in 2000, he succeeded his Republican friend and mentor, Barbara Hyland, also of Foxboro, who had relinquished her seat after being diagnosed with a form of lymphoma. Active in the Republican Party, he had managed Hyland’s final campaign while his wife, a former party staffer, served as her legislative aide.

Born in Boston on December 7, 1942, he was the son of the late Concetta (Scanzillo) Coppola and Felice “Phil” Coppola. A 1960 graduate of Roslindale High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, he later graduated from Dalbec Barber School, and worked in his father’s West Roxbury shop for 11 years before launching a business with his brother.

Founded in 1971, that firm, NEMPCO Inc., was a motorcycle parts wholesale/distribution company that relocated to Foxboro in 1976.

In addition to his political service, Coppola maintained numerous civic and business affiliations. He was a long time member and former president of the Foxboro Lions Club, Knights of Columbus Chapter #3049, the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce, and the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.

He also served on the Board of Trustees at the Pond Home in Wrentham, the Board of Directors for Foxboro Cable Access, and was on the Board of Incorpoators at the Hockomock Area YMCA.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a brother, Lawrence Coppola and his wife Barbara of Foxboro; his sister in law, Anne Defina of North Eastham; and several nieces and nephews, cousins and uncles.

Calling hours will be held at the Roberts and Sons Funeral Home, 30 South Street, Foxboro on Monday, August 29 and Tuesday, August 30 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm, both days. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, August 31 at St, Mary’s Church, Carpenter Street, Foxboro. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.

Source: website…. www.robertsandsonsfuneralhome.com