Cole Coppola, 16, born Sept 25, 1998, passed away in the early morning hours of Sept. 28, after a tragic accident in Vero Beach.
Cole was the beloved son of Dr. Nicholas and Elaine Coppola and brother to sisters Melanie and Mary. He is survived by his grandparents, Pat and Mary Lou Ciambriello; his uncles, Dr. Christopher Coppola, Bob Sordelet, Tino Ciambriello and a multitude of loving family members.
He was a true friend to hundreds of fellow classmates and faculty at John Carroll High School and the fellowship at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Vero Beach and Saint Anastasia in Fort Pierce where he was an Altar Server.
His family wishes everyone to remember how fully Cole lived life rather than the way he died. His friends have set up #LiveLikeCole to honor Cole’s happy and joyful spirit.
His family knows Cole would not have wanted this to be a sad occasion but rather a celebration of the time he was able to spend with us until we see him again with God.
In life, Cole was able to heal others with his enveloping hugs and if he was here right now he would wrap his arms around all of those grieving to bring one more smile to their faces.
Cole’s optimism was a precious rarity in a teenager but he was blessed with a deep connection to his family, his faith and to many friends who have shown a continuous outpouring of support. His beautiful heart was a direct reflection on being raised by his devoted parents in a house full of love and happiness.
He was a sophomore, Junior Varsity football player, #22, and on the track team at John Carroll High School. He was a member of Youth on a Mission with St. Helen’s Catholic Church and an avid fisherman who would play any sport just to be outdoors.
Cole also loved animals so much he even drafted his grandfather to volunteer at the Humane Society since he was not old enough to go on his own. He said he dreamed of one day being a veterinarian in practice with his sister who shared that passion with him.
There will be a memorial mass at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at St. Anastasia Church hosted by John Carroll High School. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Strunk Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at St. Helen’s Catholic Church. Celebrants are asked to wear bright orange and pink to honor Cole’s favorite colors.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society of Indian River County, St. Helen’s Youth on a Mission or any agency which gives cares to animals.