Francis Patrick Coppinger

Francis Patrick Coppinger, caring husband, cherished father and treasured grandfather, having completed his earthly journey, passed from this world into eternal rest on Feb. 25, 2017, at the age of 92, at The Meadows at East Mountain, following a time of declining health.
He was born in Portland, ME, first son of the late Patrick F. and Margaret A. (Clougherty) Coppinger.
He received his early education in South Portland, ME, public schools and graduated from Cheverus High School in Portland, ME.
A Navy veteran, Francis served his country as a gunner's mate during World War II in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters.
At the age of 13, he began a career in the grocery business that spanned nearly 50 years, interrupted only by his military service. He worked as a grocery clerk, checker trainer, store manager and loss-prevention specialist with First National Supermarkets.
For a time, he also served as a deputy sheriff for Cumberland County in Maine. He retired from Finest in 1989 and in the following years, he worked for Aubuchon Hardware, the Rutland County Sheriff's Department, and was bar manager for the VFW Post 648 for 14 years. where he was affectionately known as Frank. He was also an exceptionally dedicated and dependable paper carrier for the Rutland Herald for nearly 25 years in the city's northeast neighborhood.
Francis was an important member and enthusiastic commander of the VFW Post 832 in South Portland, ME, where he was awarded a life membership for his many years of service. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion for more than 70 years and a 44-year member of the Rutland Elks Club. Also, he was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus and former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council in South Portland.
In later years, he served the community through volunteer work at Rutland's Community Cupboard. He was an ever-hopeful Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed watching Boston Bruins hockey on television.
Family was the center of his life and, over the years, Fran made every effort to support his kids by volunteering with the Northeast School PTO activities and attending the sporting events, plays, award ceremonies and choral concerts in which they participated.
His Irish heritage was also a source of great pride and he instilled that pride in each of his children while sharing bits of Irish tradition and teaching them the words to numerous Irish folk songs, including, but not limited to, "The Wild Rover." He had the pleasure of having made two trips to Ireland, which gave him the opportunity to trace his roots, sample some fine Guinness, and observe, up close, various aspects of Irish culture and history.
Left to cherish the memories are his devoted wife of 51 years, Madeline (Frustaci); five truly wonderful children and their spouses, Kevin (Karen), of Dover, NH, Sean, of Yaounde, Cameroon, Margaret (Russ) Murray, of Rochester, NH, Michael (Rebecca), of Rutland, VT, and Erin (Eugene) Spataro, of Las Vegas, NV.
Also surviving are eight very precious grandchildren, Ryan (and wife Emilie), Colin and Laura Coppinger, of Dover, NH, Timothy, Peter, Abagail and Luke Murray, of Rochester, NH, and Lorenzo Spataro, of Las Vegas, NV; and two special step-granddaughters, Alexxus and Emma. Further, he is survived by a sister-in-law and a brother-in-law, Kathy and Mike Gagnon, of Oro Valley, AZ; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joseph and Joan Frustaci, of Cape Elizabeth, ME; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved cat, Shadow.
Besides his parents, Francis was predeceased by his brother, John, of Chelmsford, MA.
The family expresses its deep appreciation to the outstanding staff at Inter Age Adult Day Care, to the wonderful caregivers from At Home Senior Care, as well as the compassionate and highly competent folks at The Meadows for their loving kindness to him in his declining years. In addition, Francis benefited from the medical care and many other services of the Veterans Affairs for several years which allowed him to remain at home as long as possible; the family is truly grateful for this exceptional assistance.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, March 2, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 3, at 11 a.m. at St. Bridget's Church in West Rutland. Officiating will be the Rev. Romanus Igweonu, pastor.
Burial will at a later date in West Rutland.
In lieu of floral tributes, it is respectfully suggested that memorial gifts may be made in Fran's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, C/O Clifford Funeral Home, 2 Washington St., Rutland, VT 05701; or the Rutland Free Library.