Ralph Coppola

           Ralph Coppola, of Newton, died peacefully on Friday, November 4, 2022. He was 96. Beloved husband to his wife of 76 years, Cecilia (Angelucci) Coppola. Loving father of Rosalba Salvucci & her husband, Fred of Weston, and Ralph Coppola Jr. & his wife, Mary Jane of Needham. Cherished 'Papa' to Danielle Black & her husband, Brian, Carla Salvucci & her husband, Matt Curley, Christopher Coppola & his husband, Will Bowling, and Gregory Coppola & his wife, Ariel. Great-grandfather to Rebecca, Andrew, Michael, Cecilia, Emma, and Olivia. He was predeceased by his brothers, Arduino Coppola and Mario Tavolieri, and survived by his sister, Maria Tavolieri, of Atina, Italy. 
         Born on July 16, 1926 in Atina, Italy, Ralph and his family immigrated to Watertown, Massachusetts in 1952, and eventually settled in Auburndale. Ralph worked as a plasterer and in his pastime, was a competitive bowler. He also enjoyed playing bocce with his brothers and friends. Weekends were spent in the company of extended family over large meals. Ralph had a passion for gardening and spent countless hours tending to his yard and flowers. His green thumb and beautiful flower beds were recognized by the City of Newton, which awarded him the Newton
Beautification Award multiple times.

           Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Ralph's life by gathering for Visiting Hours at the Nardone Funeral Home, 373 Main St., Watertown on Wednesday from 8-9:30 AM, followed by a 10 AM Funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Church, 212 Main St., Watertown. Burial in Newton Cemetery. 

           In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to the American Kidney Fund (kidneyfund.org), or the Massachusetts Horticultural Society (masshort.org).