avid Lloyd Copolillo was born on December 26, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois. He is the son of Gene and Lillian (Laxton) Copolillo. David, 65, passed away on November 11, 2016, Veterans Day, at Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida surrounded by his loving family. He was a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran.
Family
David is survived by his loving wife Deborah (Nichols) Copolillo of 24 wonderful years. Additionally he is survived by his sons James (Nicky) Davis of New Port Richey, Florida; Jason (Stacy) Davis of Seminole, Florida; brother Roger (Nancy) Copolillo of Watsonville, California; sister Cheryl (Frank) Doman and sons Jake and Nick of Oak Lawn, Illinois and grandchildren Jayson Davis, Ana Davis and Travis Winczewski.
Marine Corps History and Awards
David joined the United States Marine Corps on August 29, 1968 in Chicago, Illinois. After successful completion of Marine Recruit Training David served with his fellow Marines overseas in the jungles of Vietnam. At the time of his discharge Lance Corporal Copolillo was eligible to wear the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze battle stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Award, the Combat Infantry Ribbon as well as his designation as a sharpshooter on his uniform. The Combat Action Ribbon is only awarded to those who actively participated in combat on the ground against the enemy. His wife Deborah noted that while David loved serving in both the Marine Corps and the Army that,
“He particularly loved and was proud of being a Marine.”
Army History and Awards
David was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and later joined the United States Army. Sergeant Copolillo served as an attack helicopter repairman and mechanic and was thus qualified to wear the Aircraft Crewman Badge on his uniform. His last duty assignment in the Army was with Bravo Troop 3rd Division 4th Cavalry.
Graveside Service and Military Honors
A military funeral to celebrate the life of David Lloyd Copolillo is scheduled for Friday, December 2, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Guests who plan on attending should arrive at 1:30 pm. Military honors will be provided by the United States Marine Corps as well as Marine Corps League Detachment 708 from Spring Hill, Florida. The Patriot Guard Riders will also be in attendance to stand by their fallen brethren as invited guests.
Special Recognition
The Copolillo family would like to thank the entire staff at Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida for the outstanding care that was provided to David during his final days. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Support Homeless Veterans which was very important to David.
David’s family would like to invite friends to join in a Celebration of Life gathering at the Armed Forces History Museum at 2050 34th Way North, Largo, Florida from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, December 2, 2016.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
David was the love of my life, my soulmate and my best friend. His gentle kindness made me happy beyond belief. Although our time together was much too short I will forever cherish every moment we shared.
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family at this sorrowful time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’ve always believed the true measure of a man is the impact he makes on those around him in his life. In the short time I was privileged to know and work with David, and from knowing his loved ones, he truly was a great man.
My thoughts and prayers are for the loved ones he left behind…my Gratitude and Respect go with David and I say to him Thank You for teaching me a valuable life lesson all those years ago.
…..Rest In Peace
My heart goes out to you and your family at the loss of your loved one. May the wonderful memories you have of David live on in your hearts forever.
Debbie, I am so sorry about David’s passing. He was such a sweet and gentle person, and have such great memories of time spent with both of you. You brought out the best in each other. God bless..hugs from NY.
My thoughts and prayers are for the loved ones he left behind.
May god bless you and keep you in his arms.
David put the “brother” in brother in law! He sincerely loved and cared for Deb. He enjoyed their life on their farm and particularly his horses. Occasionally we would talk about his service in ‘Nam in a Corp ReCon unit. David was a remarkable person and will be remembered for it.
I am so sorry for you loss. Wish I got to meet ALL of you. I remember him growing up. David did have a heart of gold and bigger than this universe.
My love and prayers to you Deb and your children, and also to Roger and Cheryl.
Aunt Debbie, my heart goes out to you in this very heartbreaking and tough time. David was the most gentle, caring person and I am so happy you guys had these incredible years together. Remember the good times and all the love that he brought to you and your family.
Debbie
Our prayers are with you and your family. David was a special man, he always had a smile and a kind word to everyone.
Our deepest sympathy to you and families. You are in our thoughts. Rest in Peace David.
Deb, so sorry to hear of David’s passing. Thinking of you & your family & keeping you in my prayers.
David was a brother to me. I knew him a very long time sense I was a teenager! He was a part of our family. Maybe not by blood but nevertheless family. I still can’t believe he’s gone. I am so so sorry for your loss Deb! You were the love of his life too💕
Kathy
David was such a sweet and caring man; his smile and love will be missed and cherished. God Bless and prayers especially to Deb, Jay, Stacy, Jayson, Ana, and James and Nicky. RIP, David!
Dear Cousin Debbie and family,
So sad about David’s passing. The service was so honoring and respectful to him. The Patriot Guards presence was an added comfort. They didn’t have to say a thing, you could see their devotion to a fallen brother. Praying for peace and comfort for you in the days and months ahead.
Dear Debbie, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. Such a sad day for everyone no doubt. I really miss you but to know that part of me was their with my sisters, Janice and Nancy. I pray for your strength and comfort. It has always helped me to just pretend they are still here. I love you!!!!
Dorene Lockhart