Assembly Resolution No. 698
BY: M. of A. DiPietro
MOURNING the death of John F. Copeland,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an eminent man of indomitable faith and dedication whose
public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as a
paradigm and inspiration for others; and
WHEREAS, John F. Copeland of Bliss, New York, died on Saturday,
January 4, 2020, at the age of 69; and
WHEREAS, Born on April 13, 1950, in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, to
the late Francis B. and Jean C. (Long) Copeland, John F. Copeland was a
1969 graduate of Arcade Central School; and
WHEREAS, John F. Copeland received an associate degree in Criminal
Justice from Genesee Community College while proudly serving his country
as a member of the United States Army from 1969 to 1971; and
WHEREAS, In a career which traversed more than three decades, John
F. Copeland served as a Deputy Sheriff, Road Patrol Captain and
Undersheriff for the Wyoming County Sheriff's Department; he was an
active member of the Wyoming County Sheriff's Mounted Unit, serving as
its Captain for several years; and
WHEREAS, John F. Copeland was elected Supervisor for the Town of
Wethersfield in 2003, the esteemed position he faithfully served until
his death; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, John F. Copeland was Chair of the Public Safety Committee for
the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors, as well as a member of the
Arcade VFW and the Eagle Post and Strykersville Post American Legion;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was a Board member of the North American
Police Equestrian Council and enjoyed horseback riding and hunting; and
WHEREAS, John F. Copeland is survived by his wife, Jackie (Cooper)
Copeland whom he married on August 28, 1991; three children, Shannon
Copeland, Shane Copeland and Eric Peet; and three siblings, Diana Mayer,
David (Robin) Copeland and Eleanor (Tom Matthews) Copeland; as well as
several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John F. Copeland leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John F. Copeland, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John F. Copeland.
