John Copple

John R. Copple, age 71, of Erie passed away Thursday, January 11, 2018 at UPMC Hamot. He was born on July 17, 1946 in Erie the son of the late Charles and Mary (Zappitello)  Copple.

John was a 1964 graduate of Cathedral Prep and graduated from Gannon University with a Business Management degree. He later graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1980.

John had served with the US Air Force during the Vietnam war. He was the owner of several companies and he started and participated in many organizations throughout his life that helped and educated others. He was an avid hobbiest and had earned the honor of Eagle Scout in his youth. John was always up for a good joke and his stories brought laughter and joy to everyone around him.

John’s children would like to thank all of the caregivers and agencies that have helped him in recent years. He has appreciated all of the time and kindness given to him, and you are all in our forever prayers.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Mary Kierzek Copple along with a brother, Charles Copple.

John is survived by his children, Jennifer Longstreet and her husband Kyle of McKean; John Copple and Michelle Schultz of Erie and Buffy Lee of Oil City, PA. He is the grandfather of Joseph and Erin Copple and Taylour Lee, and is also survived by a great-granddaughter, Olivia and his loved companion cat, Stick.

Friends are invited to call at the Quinn Funeral Home, West 9^th & Liberty St. on Tuesday from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM and are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 10:00 AM in St. Peter Cathedral. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left with the family.