Obituary of Gloria C. Coppola

Gloria Cecilia Coppola (née Fargnoli), a longtime West Orange resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Friday, October 13, 2023. She was 95.

Gloria is the loving and devoted mother of Carol Jayne Coppola & Kenneth Coppola and his wife, Janet; dear grandmother of Glen, Zachary & Ryan Coppola; loving stepmother of Marie Elaine Buck and her husband, John & Barbara Kunze and her husband John; step-grandmother of Stacey Gaskill and her husband Tim, Brian Stamper and his wife Lisa; and great step- grandmother of five. She is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends.

Gloria was predeceased at a young age by her husband, Mario C. Coppola; and her second husband, Charles Hellwig; one infant son, Glen Coppola; one brother, Albert Fargnoli, Jr.: and one step-grandchild, Keith Stamper. 

Gloria was born in Newark on January 7, 1928 to the late Albert Fargnoli, Sr. and Helen Fargnoli (née Erbs). She was raised in Newark with her brother Albert in a loving family. She was a graduate of Irvington High School and in her youth, Gloria was an excellent roller-skater.

Gloria and her beloved husband Mario Coppola married and settled in West Orange where they raised their family. She was a wonderful mother and was so proud of her grandsons and their accomplishments.

Gloria loved her family deeply and she truly took care of everyone, always putting others before herself. She frequently hosted holiday parties for her family and was an incredible cook.

Gloria had a long career with Corporate Express in East Hanover as an accounts receivable administrator before she retired. 

Gloria loved attending her grandsons' sporting events and spending time at the beach with her family. She also enjoyed traveling, attending baseball games, concerts and the theater, and she especially loved to dance. In her enthusiasm, Gloria could turn even the most ordinary or smallest activity or event into an exciting and wonderful adventure.

Gloria will always be remembered for her warmth and good-hearted, genuine nature. Although she will be deeply missed by us all, we take solace in knowing she is at peace. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Gloria on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s RC Church, 44 Benvenue Avenue, West Orange 07052.

Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

Charitable contributions may be made in Gloria’s memory to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105