FRED COPLEY, 84, of Punta Gorda, Florida went home to be with his Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 14, 2012. Fred was born in Providence, Rhode Island on October 3, 1928 to the late Herbert and Beulah (Arnold) Copley. He attended North Providence schools and Bryant College. Fred enjoyed all sports, especially…
Continue ReadingFRED COPLEY, 84, of Punta Gorda, Florida went home to be with his Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 14, 2012.
Fred was born in Providence, Rhode Island on October 3, 1928 to the late Herbert and Beulah (Arnold) Copley. He attended North Providence schools and Bryant College. Fred enjoyed all sports, especially his Patriots and was an avid runner. He was a District Sales Manager for Finance Division of General Motors Acceptance Corporation and retired in 1983 to enjoy retirement years with his wife Rita in Florida.
He was a member and Past Master of The Roger Williams Masonic Lodge #32 in Rhode Island and coached Demolay basketball and Rainbow softball. He was a former member of the Greystone Primitive Methodist Church in Rhode Island where he was a Sunday School teacher. Fred and his wife Rita were very active in the Republican Party in Rhode Island where they helped the late former Governor John Chaffee during his campaigns. He was a member of the Englewood Art Guild of Englewood, FL and painted beautiful land and seascapes, and was known for his Thomas Kinkade style of painting. Fred was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War serving as a Sergeant. Fred was a devout Christian and beloved by all who knew him for his kindness, great faith and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
Survived by his loving family, his wife of 62 years, Rita Copley; his best friend and his daughter, Kathleen (Sabin) Taylor, a daughter, Patricia (Bill) Waddington; a brother, Robert (Sue) Copley; 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; and his special loyal friend, Grand Dog Tinsley.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare League, or The National Animal Welfare Society.
Interment and military honors will be held at later date at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, FL. Private arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.
Leona Moore Van buskirk
left a message on October 17, 2012:
Dear Rita, Pat & Kathy & Families,
So sorry to read about Fred's passing. We sure go back so many years.Only wish we could have gotten together all these years. Every time someone talks about Rhode Island I think about you about and My Dad talking about Daisy Mae.
Our thoughts are with you all. Please call Dot & Will or Jack & I..
We were just with Dot & Will and they wanted me to send their sympathy also.
Love
Leona & Jack
Frank and Jacque Ross
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Fred will be greatly missed by his many friends especially at Pilgrim church. We will miss his devotion, kindess, and his humor. He and Rita are a wonderful example of a couple devoted to God, each other and the community. Our condolences to Rita his devoted wife and Kathy his loyal daughter and the rest of the family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love n prayers,
Jacque and Frank
Donald & Barbara Darby
left a message on October 16, 2012:
our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of sorrow.
Nancy Moroni- Richard
left a message on October 16, 2012:
To Rita, & Kathy,
Sorry to learn of Fred's passing. I know you all will truly
miss him in your lives. He was a wonderful man and I am
so glad I had the opportunity to have known him when I was
growing up in RI and used to visit you all.
Rest well Fred and God Bless you in Heaven!
xo Nancy
Sally and Marvin Thomas
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Fred was a dear friend whom we met in 1992. We had many good times with his family and we remember his art work so well. In fact, we have a couple of his paintings in our home.
God is welcoming a special person into his fold.
Blessings to all his family.
Marvin and Sally
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Len & Dorrie
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Kathly, Sabin and family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Christine Brassard
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Condolences to Rita and all the family.
Theresa Vann
left a message on October 16, 2012:
I just want to let you know my thoughts are prayers are for Rita and the family. I met Rita and Fred through a friend, Mary Sweeney. I am good friends with Mary Hinkle. Rita might also remember me from working at Publix. Mary, Pat and Joanne and I were just talking about you and Fred, wondering how yall were and that we really liked both of you. Wish I could of visited both of you. Love you, Theresa
Mary Sweeney Hinkle
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Dear Rita and family,
I was so sorry to read about Fred's passing. I have such wonderful memories of the both of you! You were dear friends' to my parents in Tangerine Woods, and my boys of course. I am thinking of you at this sorrowful time.
Mary Hinkle
Roy and Bev Wareham
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Rita, Kathy, and Pat,
We have many fond memories of this wonderful, cheerful Fred. He was
a devoted father and will be missed greatly. Please accept our most
heartfelt sympathies .
Love
Bill & Jean Santry
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Fred was a great neighbor for many years. Even though he moved away a few years ago, we often talk of him to the neighbors and share our great memories of him. Our best to Rita and family.
Bill & Jean Santry
Don and Nan Brown
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Remember the fun times we had when the Rainbow Girls short sheeted the chaperons and the great times we had couching the softball together.
Love Don and Nan
Bettye Gibson
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Kathy, we send our love and condolences to you and your family in the loss of your dad. Please be at peace knowing he is resting in Jesus' arms.
Our love to you and Sabin,
Bettye, Jimmy & Beth Gibson.V
Judy Clark
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Rita and family,
My deepest sympathy to you. I know Fred will be missed. Fred was a super guy. Rita I remember you and Fred walking together and being at the pool in Tangerine Woods. God Bless you all in at this time.
Judy Clark
Joseph (Jody) Yacino
left a message on May 29, 2013:
I met Fred many, many years ago after moving to Florida/Englewood from Edinburgh Scotland. My mother Jo-Ann lived in Tangerinewoods. Although I was definitely not a retiree I was welcomed warmly by Fred and Rita. Fred even drove me to work before I had a car. We spent time clamming, and talking by the pool about life, running and sometimes nothing. It is with fond memories and the warm and generous person Fred was that will stay with me.
Many condolences to Rita and the family.
Jody
Irene Butler
left a message on October 17, 2012:
I had the pleasure of attending services with Fred at Pilgrim Church. He was a wonderful man. Rita and the entire family are in my prayers.
Sanddra Hesford Ellis
left a message on October 17, 2012:
Dear Rita ,
I will always be greatful for the kindness and love you and Fred have given me. I am glad I got to visit you in Englewood several years ago. I think of you often and will miss Fred.
My love and condolences to you, Kathy, and Pat.
Sandy
Patrick Arbolino and Jo-Ann Yacino
left a message on October 17, 2012:
Dear Rita and family,
We have many fond memories of Fred watching us play tennis and just enjoying his company at parties and playing cards
Rita, remember all the great times with Fred and life will be easier and happier.
He is with our Lord and at peace and waiting for you there.
Love to all,
Jo-Ann and Pat
Audrey Rice
left a message on October 17, 2012:
Rita-What a great guy Fred was, always a compassionate word to everyone.
I remember all the good times we had in Tangerine Woods and the support you two gave Gene & I. His display of art work that would hang in the card room. So many good memories.
Charles Miller
left a message on October 17, 2012:
I remember both of you like it was yesterday.I'm so glad that I had the opertunity to be friends with such a lovely couple. Fred was always caring and kind to everyone. Great years and great people.
Charlie
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Debbie Dunford Smith and Freda Dunford
left a message on October 18, 2012:
Rita - Oh the wonderful memories of you and Fred in Rainbow, DeMolay and Masonic days...good times! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Fraternal love, Debbie & Freda
June & Vern Hodil
left a message on October 19, 2012:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Rita, at this difficult time. We have so many pleasant memories as neighbors and friends in Tangerine Woods, and I'm sure the memories of your life together will be your comfort. It was a privilege to know Fred and to enjoy his art and his friendship.
June & Vern Hodil
Linda Sue Levine-Brown
left a message on October 19, 2012:
Hi Rita and Family,
I am so privileged to have met both you and Fred at Sandhill Gardens. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
I am lookig forward to seeing you again.
Love,
Linda Brown
George & Doris Preziosi
left a message on October 20, 2012:
Dear Rita and family,
So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He was such a kind and loving man and surely will be missed by all.
May God give you the strength you need at this time.
Our deepest condolences,
George and Doris Preziosi
ted/mary weatherhead
left a message on October 27, 2012:
Dear Rita,
We are so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Like most old timers here in
Tangerine Woods, we remember Fred with great joy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely, Ted and Mary
Andrea Vasil
left a message on October 29, 2012:
Dear Rita and family,
Steve and I were sorry to hear about Fred's passing. We truly enjoyed when you, him, Kathy and Sabin came to Angelo's for pizza and salad. Our prayers are with you. Sincerely Andrea and Steve.
Willliam and Irene Tibert
left a message on October 30, 2012:
Bill and I were just informed of Fred's passing. Rita, we are so sorry for your loss, we have many fond memories of you both. I treasure the beautiful Maine lighthouse paintings he did for me from a photo I took, and the little dog and duck on wood, he was truly gifted. You and your family are in our prayers. With love, Irene and Bill Tibert
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Leona Moore Van buskirk
left a message on October 17, 2012:
Dear Rita, Pat & Kathy & Families,
So sorry to read about Fred's passing. We sure go back so many years.Only wish we could have gotten together all these years. Every time someone talks about Rhode Island I think about you about and My Dad talking about Daisy Mae.
Our thoughts are with you all. Please call Dot & Will or Jack & I..
We were just with Dot & Will and they wanted me to send their sympathy also.
Love
Leona & Jack
Frank and Jacque Ross
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Fred will be greatly missed by his many friends especially at Pilgrim church. We will miss his devotion, kindess, and his humor. He and Rita are a wonderful example of a couple devoted to God, each other and the community. Our condolences to Rita his devoted wife and Kathy his loyal daughter and the rest of the family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love n prayers,
Jacque and Frank
Donald & Barbara Darby
left a message on October 16, 2012:
our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of sorrow.
Nancy Moroni- Richard
left a message on October 16, 2012:
To Rita, & Kathy,
Sorry to learn of Fred's passing. I know you all will truly
miss him in your lives. He was a wonderful man and I am
so glad I had the opportunity to have known him when I was
growing up in RI and used to visit you all.
Rest well Fred and God Bless you in Heaven!
xo Nancy
Sally and Marvin Thomas
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Fred was a dear friend whom we met in 1992. We had many good times with his family and we remember his art work so well. In fact, we have a couple of his paintings in our home.
God is welcoming a special person into his fold.
Blessings to all his family.
Marvin and Sally
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Len & Dorrie
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Kathly, Sabin and family, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Christine Brassard
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Condolences to Rita and all the family.
Theresa Vann
left a message on October 16, 2012:
I just want to let you know my thoughts are prayers are for Rita and the family. I met Rita and Fred through a friend, Mary Sweeney. I am good friends with Mary Hinkle. Rita might also remember me from working at Publix. Mary, Pat and Joanne and I were just talking about you and Fred, wondering how yall were and that we really liked both of you. Wish I could of visited both of you. Love you, Theresa
Mary Sweeney Hinkle
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Dear Rita and family,
I was so sorry to read about Fred's passing. I have such wonderful memories of the both of you! You were dear friends' to my parents in Tangerine Woods, and my boys of course. I am thinking of you at this sorrowful time.
Mary Hinkle
Roy and Bev Wareham
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Rita, Kathy, and Pat,
We have many fond memories of this wonderful, cheerful Fred. He was
a devoted father and will be missed greatly. Please accept our most
heartfelt sympathies .
Love
Bill & Jean Santry
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Fred was a great neighbor for many years. Even though he moved away a few years ago, we often talk of him to the neighbors and share our great memories of him. Our best to Rita and family.
Bill & Jean Santry
Don and Nan Brown
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Remember the fun times we had when the Rainbow Girls short sheeted the chaperons and the great times we had couching the softball together.
Love Don and Nan
Bettye Gibson
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Kathy, we send our love and condolences to you and your family in the loss of your dad. Please be at peace knowing he is resting in Jesus' arms.
Our love to you and Sabin,
Bettye, Jimmy & Beth Gibson.V
Judy Clark
left a message on October 16, 2012:
Rita and family,
My deepest sympathy to you. I know Fred will be missed. Fred was a super guy. Rita I remember you and Fred walking together and being at the pool in Tangerine Woods. God Bless you all in at this time.
Judy Clark
Joseph (Jody) Yacino
left a message on May 29, 2013:
I met Fred many, many years ago after moving to Florida/Englewood from Edinburgh Scotland. My mother Jo-Ann lived in Tangerinewoods. Although I was definitely not a retiree I was welcomed warmly by Fred and Rita. Fred even drove me to work before I had a car. We spent time clamming, and talking by the pool about life, running and sometimes nothing. It is with fond memories and the warm and generous person Fred was that will stay with me.
Many condolences to Rita and the family.
Jody
Irene Butler
left a message on October 17, 2012:
I had the pleasure of attending services with Fred at Pilgrim Church. He was a wonderful man. Rita and the entire family are in my prayers.
Sanddra Hesford Ellis
left a message on October 17, 2012:
Dear Rita ,
I will always be greatful for the kindness and love you and Fred have given me. I am glad I got to visit you in Englewood several years ago. I think of you often and will miss Fred.
My love and condolences to you, Kathy, and Pat.
Sandy
Patrick Arbolino and Jo-Ann Yacino
left a message on October 17, 2012:
Dear Rita and family,
We have many fond memories of Fred watching us play tennis and just enjoying his company at parties and playing cards
Rita, remember all the great times with Fred and life will be easier and happier.
He is with our Lord and at peace and waiting for you there.
Love to all,
Jo-Ann and Pat
Audrey Rice
left a message on October 17, 2012:
Rita-What a great guy Fred was, always a compassionate word to everyone.
I remember all the good times we had in Tangerine Woods and the support you two gave Gene & I. His display of art work that would hang in the card room. So many good memories.
Charles Miller
left a message on October 17, 2012:
I remember both of you like it was yesterday.I'm so glad that I had the opertunity to be friends with such a lovely couple. Fred was always caring and kind to everyone. Great years and great people.
Charlie
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Debbie Dunford Smith and Freda Dunford
left a message on October 18, 2012:
Rita - Oh the wonderful memories of you and Fred in Rainbow, DeMolay and Masonic days...good times! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Fraternal love, Debbie & Freda
June & Vern Hodil
left a message on October 19, 2012:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Rita, at this difficult time. We have so many pleasant memories as neighbors and friends in Tangerine Woods, and I'm sure the memories of your life together will be your comfort. It was a privilege to know Fred and to enjoy his art and his friendship.
June & Vern Hodil
Linda Sue Levine-Brown
left a message on October 19, 2012:
Hi Rita and Family,
I am so privileged to have met both you and Fred at Sandhill Gardens. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
I am lookig forward to seeing you again.
Love,
Linda Brown
George & Doris Preziosi
left a message on October 20, 2012:
Dear Rita and family,
So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He was such a kind and loving man and surely will be missed by all.
May God give you the strength you need at this time.
Our deepest condolences,
George and Doris Preziosi
ted/mary weatherhead
left a message on October 27, 2012:
Dear Rita,
We are so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Like most old timers here in
Tangerine Woods, we remember Fred with great joy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely, Ted and Mary
Andrea Vasil
left a message on October 29, 2012:
Dear Rita and family,
Steve and I were sorry to hear about Fred's passing. We truly enjoyed when you, him, Kathy and Sabin came to Angelo's for pizza and salad. Our prayers are with you. Sincerely Andrea and Steve.
Willliam and Irene Tibert
left a message on October 30, 2012:
Bill and I were just informed of Fred's passing. Rita, we are so sorry for your loss, we have many fond memories of you both. I treasure the beautiful Maine lighthouse paintings he did for me from a photo I took, and the little dog and duck on wood, he was truly gifted. You and your family are in our prayers. With love, Irene and Bill Tibert
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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