Obituary of Leopold Koppel

Leopold Koppel, born October 29, 1922 in Monchengladbach, Germany, peacefully passed away at almost age 95 on April 24, 2017 at home in Jacksonville, FL, with his eldest daughter, Karen and her husband Andy. He was lovingly cared for and surrounded by his children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, dear friends, family and caregivers. Leo previously lived in Fort Plain, NY and spent winters in San Juan, PR. Leo was the youngest of seven children, born to Mendel and Cicilia (Goldman). He and his family came to the United States in 1938 to escape Nazi persecution. He graduated from Westwood High (NJ) in 1940 and received his BS degree in Chemistry from NYU in 1943. Leo moved to Richmond, VA where he worked as a chemist at Dixie Wine Company. Leo married Lore Baer of Fort Plain in 1949 and joined her family's meatpacking business, serving as president until it closed. Sadly, after 62 years of marriage, Lore passed away on May 14, 2011. Leo instilled love of family, country, intellectual curiosity and benevolence in all around him. He was a deeply religious man who belonged to synagogues in Amsterdam and NYC, NY, San Juan, and Jacksonville, FL. He was an avid tennis and ping pong player, involved in local civic causes and clubs, and along with his wife, active in every level of Republican politics. He enjoyed travel, especially cruising, and above all spending time with his family and beloved dogs. People from around the world will remember him for his warmth, humor, advice, generosity, and dispensing of $2 bills given to bring the recipient "good luck and good health." He is survived by his children Karen Rose Koppel Kaunitz (Andrew), Barbara Sue Koppel Pedley (Timothy), Anita Baer Koppel Blackman (Ralph) and Paul Ira Koppel (Sheila), grandchildren Lauren Elizabeth and Nathaniel Mark Pedley (Sarah), Kate Baer and David Koppel Kaunitz (Heather), Max Baer and Mia Lillian Cicilia Blackman, Alexander Jacob Koppel and great-granddaughter Kinleigh Rose Kaunitz. Burial services with Rabbi Ari S. Lorge will take place on April 30th, 2017 at 1p.m. in Cedar Park Cemetery, 735 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652 next to his wife, parents, brothers and sisters. Donations can be made in Leo's memory to the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY, 13317. Please visit the family's online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.