James "Jim" Copani's Obituary
James "Jim" Copani, 74, of East Syracuse, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, May 4, 2014. He was born in Linguaglossa, Sicily, the son of the late Salvatore and Vincenza (Tornabene) Copani, Sr. Jim was a self employed master electrician, carpenter, mason and designer. He loved to build, design things and work with his hands. Every project that Jim undertook, he turned into a "work of art". Jim built his dream home from the ground up and it will endure as part of his legacy.
Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his grandson, John Stebbins and his sister, Pauline Behnke. Jim is survived by his loving and caring wife of 32 years, Frances (Tornabene) Copani; two daughters, Michelle Rager and Susan Stebbins, both of Jacksonville, FL; his grandson, Tyler Walsh of Jacksonville, FL; three brothers, Salvatore "Sam" (Joanne) Copani, Jr. of Cicero, Louis (Rosa) Copani of Syracuse and Anthony (Kathy) Copani of Cicero; two sisters, JoAnne (Charles) Fougnier of Canastota and Mary (Robert) Finley of Syracuse; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 9:00 am in the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a funeral Mass in celebration of Jim's life at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church. Entombment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Dewitt. Family and friends may call at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
Contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.
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