Community offers massive support for family of Suffolk sports legend Scott Coppola after sudden death

Long Islanders are rallying behind the family of Scott Coppola, a Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame athlete and former Hofstra University baseball player who died unexpectedly this week while playing hockey with friends.

Coppola, 49, died on Aug. 4, leaving behind his wife, Tara, and their children Kasey and Kyle. A GoFundMe campaign created in his honor has raised more than $128,000 from nearly 900 donations, with friends, former teammates, athletes, coaches and community members coming together on behalf of Coppola’s family.

“Scott Coppola, beloved husband to Tara, and devoted dad to Kasey & Kyle, passed away unexpectedly while playing hockey, one of many sports he loved,” reads the fundraiser, which describes Coppola as someone who “lit up every room he walked into.”

“He was Tara’s best friend,” the fundraiser states, describing him as her “ultimate errand runner, gas filler-upper, and always up for a catch, hitting, volleying, or an emergency CVS run at ungodly hours.”

The fundraiser also highlighted one of Coppola’s trademark traditions: ending family weddings with a heartfelt rendition of “American Pie.”

A lifelong athlete and Suffolk sports standout

A three-sport standout at Connetquot High School, Coppola excelled in baseball and football before continuing his baseball career at Hofstra University. His athletic accomplishments eventually earned him recognition in the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame.

But those who knew Coppola said his impact was measured by much more than his achievements on the field.

Coppola remained deeply connected to athletics throughout his life as a player, coach, mentor, teammate and fan. He believed sports were about more than winning — they were about character, perseverance, friendships and bringing people together, according to his obituary.

“Fiercely competitive yet always fair,” his obituary states, “Scott believed sports were about far more than the final score — they were about character, camaraderie, perseverance, and bringing people together.”

Funds raised through the GoFundMe effort will go toward mortgage payments and outstanding debts, helping Tara, Kasey and Kyle maintain stability while they grieve.

“It will ensure Kasey and Kyle can remain focused on their studies,” the fundraiser states. “Any contribution, big or small, and even just sharing this fundraiser, would mean the world to this family during the hardest chapter they’ve ever faced.”

Friends and family remembered Coppola for his humor, infectious smile and ability to make everyone around him feel welcome.

Whether at a baseball field, hockey rink, backyard gathering or family celebration, Coppola had a way of bringing people together.

“He was the person who naturally brought people together,” according to his obituary. “He led with an inclusive spirit that lifted those around him, making everyone feel valued and leaving every room better than he found it.”

In addition to his wife and children, Coppola is survived by his parents, Albert and Joanne; his brother, James (and sister-in-law Randi); his sister, Kristin Fletcher (and brother-in-law Tom); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Services scheduled

Visitation services for Coppola will take place Friday, Aug. 7, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home, located at 245 Montauk Highway in West Sayville.

A service will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, located at 48 Greene Ave. in Sayville. Interment will immediately follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday at noon at Changing Times Ale House, 526B Larkfield Road in East Northport.

_{Top: GoFundMe and Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Homes}