James Coppede

James Coppede, 80, of Kersey, northeastern Pennsylvania, died Wednesday evening, Sept. 27, 2006, at the Elk Regional Health Center after a lengthy battle with GIST.

He was born July 15, 1926, in Kersey, son of the John and Dina Gavazzi Coppede.

He was a lifelong resident of the Elk County area and attended Kersey schools. He retired from the Brockway Glass Co. in 1989 after 15 years of service. He was a member of the St. Boniface Church and a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army. He was a member of the Dagus Mines American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and was an avid golfer and gardener who loved to hunt.

He was married to the former Mary Sicheri. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Oct. 13.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Laurie (David) Pasi of Kersey, a Life Raft Group member for nearly four years, and Darlene Schlimm of Palm Harbor, Fla.; six grandchildren, Brooke Pasi, Kyle Pasi, Morgan Pasi, Chelsea Schlimm, Kaila Schlimm and Danielle Schlimm; a sister, Irene Coppede of St. Marys; and a brother, Mario Coppede of Buffalo, N.Y.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Angeline Morrow, Marie Coppede and Loretta Carrara.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Sept. 30 at the St. Boniface Church in Kersey with the Rev. John Kuzilla officiating. Burial was in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Brandy Camp. Full military rites were accorded by the Fox Township Servicemen's Burial Detail.

Memorials, if desired, can be made to the St. Boniface Church, 335 Main St., Kersey, PA 15857.