William T. (Bill) Coppins II, a full-of-life, longtime resident of Winchester, MA passed away July 13, 2023, at his home in Stoneham, MA at the age of 89. Never one to miss an important event, Bill passed just hours after his 65th wedding anniversary to his beloved wife Pattie (Doern) Coppins.
Bill loved his family, coaching youth sports, the University of New Hampshire, UNH sports, reading newspapers, dancing, and time in “Will’s Wood” at his treasured family camp named Pine Needles, on Lake Wentworth in Wolfeboro, NH. Not always in that order.
The son of Robert L. and Mildred (Scherber) Coppins, Bill was born December 15, 1933, in Boston, MA. While he was young, his family moved to Wolfeboro, NH. After graduating from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro he joined the Air Force and then attended the University of New Hampshire. He and his wife Pattie met at UNH, were married, and started their family during his college years. Upon graduation in 1961, they moved to Winchester, MA where they raised their five children, and Bill began his career as a Commercial Real Estate Broker.
Through his passions and exuberance for life, Bill touched the lives of many people.
His love for his family was highlighted by many crazy and wonderful adventures that included skiing, fishing, hiking, sporting events, music, and dancing. He loved supporting his children and grandchildren, rooting them on at their school, sport, and community activities – often with his well-known, full-throttle war hoop cheer. He was known to occasionally scare unsuspecting neighbors as the Halloween scarecrow who jumped from the chair, and delight family and neighbors as Santa Claus. Some of his favorite times with family and friends were spent both celebrating life and relaxing at Pine Needles.
Bill loved coaching youth sports – for the love of the game – but more importantly for the children. He coached baseball, hockey, and football in Winchester for many years, and his commitment to the children and the teams was legendary. The memorable nicknames he gave his players, his “engaged” coaching style, spirited team celebrations, and the memory books he created, were all part of the Coach Coppins experience.
He was also an avid UNH sports fan and active alumnus, organizing various events since graduation, including a lunch club to connect UNH alumni and keep the spirit alive. Bill served as President, and other officers, of the UNH 100 Club – a charitable organization whose prime purpose is to raise money for student athletic scholarships. Inspired by a Hall of Fame Dinner Bill attended with his father-in-law at Holy Cross, he worked for many years to initiate the UNH Hall of Fame. Bill wanted the UNH athletes and athletic community that he loved to experience the same camaraderie, recognition, celebration, and sense of pride that he witnessed at Holy Cross. Although it seemed an uphill battle at times, Bill pressed on and was joined by Bo Dickson ’62, Dick Mezquita ’62, Ed Mullen ’62, and Joe Rahal ’70 who all worked tirelessly to bring this dream to fruition. As a result of their efforts, and others within UNH, the first UNH Hall of Fame Dinner was held in 1982.
Bill had a fifty-plus-year career as a commercial real estate broker, beginning with John Begley Company in 1961 and then starting Coppins Company, Inc in 1978. With his strong work ethic and straight-shooter style, Bill brokered deals throughout eastern Massachusetts working with many of the larger companies in the area at that time, including GE and Compugrahpic Corporation.
We’re grateful to the many people who have contacted us since Bill’s passing with stories of how he impacted their lives, and of the ways he stayed in touch to cheer them on in life. It seems that over the years he has sent countless red-ink congratulatory notes scrawled on newspaper clippings.
Bill is survived by his wife Patricia (Doern) Coppins; daughter Deb, and her daughter Samantha; son Bobby, wife Kate, and their daughters Peyton and Sara; daughter Gail Gettens, husband John, daughters Caroline, Mary, and Catherine; son Jim, wife Stacey, children Seager and Gabrielle, Seager’s wife Danielle and their children Jillian, Wilder, and Isla; son Bill, sons Max and Dexter, and their mother Kim; his sister Susan MacMartin; and many other family members and friends. He enjoyed his role as in-law, out-law, and uncle.
A special thanks to Dr. Spoerri-Bowman, Dr. Raby, Guardian Angel Senior Services, and our care team at the Veterans Administration. One of Bill’s most fervent wishes was to remain at home throughout his life. That would not have been possible without you. And especially to Esther, for your dedicated and compassionate care in his final year. He truly loved you “Boss.”
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester, on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.
In recognition of Bill’s contributions to UNH Athletics, The William T. Coppins II ‘61 and Patricia M. Coppins Athletic Scholarship Fund is now being established. Awards will be made to student-athletes in need who demonstrate strong character, leadership skills, remarkable team spirit, and commitment to the University.
Should you desire to make a remembrance, please consider a contribution to this Scholarship Fund.
Electronic donations can be made via this link: https://bit.ly/CoppinsUNHScholarship.
Checks should be payable to The UNH Foundation and mailed to: The UNH Foundation, William T. Coppins II ’61 and Patricia M. Coppins Athletic Scholarship Fund, Elliott Alumni Center, Nine Edgewood Road, Durham, NH 03824.