Obituary of Clara L. Coppola

Scotia, NY – Clara L. Coppola, 96, passed away peacefully Friday January 11, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Clara was born in Schenectady and raised in Scotia, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Gatta. As a young woman, she worked for General Electric before meeting her husband of more than 50 year, Dr. Samuel Coppola. Clara and Sam married in 1946 in Schenectady then moved to Ann Arbor where Sam attended the University of Michigan dental school. They returned to the area in 1950, eventually settling in Scotia where they raised their five children. Clara's beloved husband predeceased her in 1997. Clara was a long time communicant of St. Joseph's Church in Scotia, where she served as a church greeter and past president of the Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Dental Auxiliary and past President of the Scotia-Glenville Children's Museum. Clara is survived by her children: Barbara (Richard) Santelli, Cheryl (William) Busino, Samuel (Ronna) Coppola, Jr., David (Jane) Coppola and Richard Coppola, grandchildren: Nola Santelli, David (Diana) Busino, Alex Coppola, Jacob Coppola, Terence (fiancée Paula) Coppola, Kelly (Dean) Strong, and Grace (Anthony) DeSousa, greatgrandchildren: Isabel, Tristan, Kailei, Ava, Samuel, and Mason. siblings: Thomas (Sally) Gatta, Carmen (the late Genevieve) Gatta, Joseph (Agnes) Gatta, the late George (Phyllis) Gatta, Robert (Marianna) Gatta and Mary Ann (James) Marx. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Calling hours will be Tuesday 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 231 2nd St., Scotia. Interment to follow the Mass, at St. John's Cemetery, Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, please perform an act of kindness in Clara's memory.