Ernest “Ernie” S. Coppolino, 90, of Somers, New York, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and two daughters.
Born on Staten Island, NY, on November 23, 1935, Ernie was the son of John and Anna Coppolino. He graduated from Curtis High School and went on to study photography, mastering a craft that would become the foundation of his career and remain one of his lifelong passions.
Photography also led Ernie to the greatest love of his life.
In December 1956, Ernie was the photographer at the wedding of Marie Albanese’s aunt, where Marie was the maid of honor. Knowing that Marie worked at a local bank, Ernie found a reason to visit a few days later, arriving to cash the check he had received for photographing the wedding. A simple question, “How are you getting home?” marked the beginning of a remarkable love story. From that point forward, Ernie and Marie were never apart.
They married on April 4, 1959, beginning more than 67 years of marriage, companionship and unwavering devotion to one another.
Ernie proudly served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1961 and was stationed in Augusta, GA. He built his career at Reader’s Digest, first in New York City and then at its Chappaqua headquarters. After years of managing the long commute from Staten Island, Ernie and his family moved to Somers, NY, in 1983, where he would make his home for the remainder of his life.
Ernie was a humble and quiet man whose warm smile had a way of catching everyone’s attention. He lived with honesty, modesty and sincerity, guided by a simple belief in always doing “the right thing.” He gave freely of himself and was someone his family could always count on. He showed up without being asked and without ever expecting anything in return.
A true craftsman, Ernie loved working with his hands. In addition to his passion for capturing life’s big and little moments through photography, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening and do-it-yourself projects. Whether the task was large or small, he approached it with patience, precision and the perfectionism of someone who believed anything worth doing was worth doing well.
His craftsmanship remains woven throughout the family home. The furniture, picture frames, cabinetry and countless other pieces he created are more than reminders of his talent. They are lasting expressions of the care and love he put into his home and family.
Ernie found his greatest happiness in the simple pleasures of life: time spent with his family, working on a project, tending to his garden, capturing a photograph, or cheering on his beloved Yankees and Giants.
His life also carried profound sorrow. His first-born daughter, Anna-Maria, passed away in 1968, a loss that left an indelible mark on his heart and remained with him throughout his life.
Ernie shared a special bond with his parents-in-law, Frank and Mary Albanese, who loved and embraced him as if he were their own son.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie (Albanese) Coppolino; his daughters, Lisa-Marie and Dianna-Marie; his sister, Antoinette Keller; and his niece, Joanne. He was predeceased by his cherished daughter, Anna-Maria; his parents, John and Anna Coppolino; and his parents-in-law, Frank and Mary Albanese.
Ernie was devoted to his family. They were first and foremost in everything he did. His love was often expressed not through grand gestures or words, but through his presence, his loyalty, and the countless ways he cared for the people around him.
Ernie’s legacy lives on in the photographs that preserve a lifetime of memories, in the beautiful craftsmanship throughout his home, in the values he passed on to his daughters, and in the extraordinary life and love he shared with Marie.
He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his honesty and integrity, his talented hands, his unforgettable smile, and the steadfast love he gave so freely.
Funeral Services were provided by the Matthew Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY on November 9 & 10, 2026
