Anthony J. Coppa, Jr., retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, born in Steubenville, Ohio, passed away on February 9, 2022.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Jenny Tenaglio Coppa; children and their spouses, Tony III and Janice Coppa, Jim Coppa, Dino and Amy Coppa, and Toni Nolte; grandchildren and their spouses, AJ IV and Alaina Coppa, Adam Coppa, Vince and Stephanie Coppa, Victoria and Charles Partin, Marcus Coppa, Pierce and Jaide Coppa, Anna and Thomas Cox, Dino Coppa, Jr., Angelina Coppa; and six great-grandchildren.

During his 32-year military career Tony served as a leadership instructor (Instructor of the Year, 1970), Superintendent of several Leadership Academy's, an original faculty member of the Senior NCO Academy, Senior Enlisted Advisor, and Commandant. He served in the Korean War, two tours in Thailand, and relocated back and forth from stateside to France, Turkey, and Germany.

Tony loved his Cleveland Browns through triumph and disappointment, marrying Jenny even though she is a lifelong Steelers fan. He played golf well into his 80's, cards with friends, and enjoyed fantasy football.

He and Jenny retired in Newport News, VA, loving the area and the people. He cherished his family, providing for them emotionally, financially, spiritually, and lovingly. His friends are abundant and spread throughout the world, as he easily created lifelong relationships wherever his many moves and stations took him.

Viewing will take place at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Rd. Newport News, VA 23601 on Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 2 to 3 PM and 5 to 7 PM. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Albert G. Horton , Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk.

To view his online obituary, go to www.wjsmithandsonfh.com and please sign the guestbook. In lieu of flowers send donations to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association.