Honor Marc Coppola for Award

Senate Resolution No. 2101 BY: Senator MATTERA COMMENDING Marc Coppola upon the occasion of his designation as the 2026 Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators WHEREAS, From time to time, this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledges their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Marc Coppola upon the occasion of his designation as the 2026 Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators; and WHEREAS, A native New Yorker born in Bayshore, New York, Marc Coppola, also known as "The Cope," is a proud Italian American with deep roots in New York City and Long Island; and WHEREAS, Marc Coppola's great grandparents are both from Southern Italy and settled in the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn, New York; one great grandfather, Francesco Pennino, came from Naples, Italy, and his other great grandfather, Agostino Coppola, came from Bernalda, Italy; and WHEREAS, At the age of 15, Marc Coppola first entered the field of radio when he and a friend built a studio that broadcasted roughly eight blocks in every direction, providing both the opportunity to experiment with operating a radio station; and WHEREAS, When Marc Coppola grew older, he would further his passion for radio by working at various outlets in Southern California, West Virginia, Mississippi, Wisconsin, and the Philippines before settling back in New York City in 1980; and WHEREAS, Currently, Marc Coppola utilizes his skills, talents, and passions at WAXQ, WLTW, and WKTU, which all air in New York City; and WHEREAS, As an established and respected professional in the radio industry, Marc Coppola often publicly lectures on preserving the future of radio in America and around the world to audiences throughout New York; and WHEREAS, Over the years, Marc Coppola has built a successful acting career, and he is best known for his work in "Apocalypse Now" (1979), "Leaving Las Vegas" (1995), "Bel Air" (2000), and "The Bling Ring" (2013); and WHEREAS, With a desire to help young students establish their own performance skills, Marc Coppola has taught acting and voice lessons to teens at the Sanford Meisner Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City for several years; and WHEREAS, Marc Coppola operates his own theater company that stages productions with intentional anti-drugs and anti-alcohol abuse themes and messages; he also serves as a board member for the Long Island Symphony Orchestra and is an animal rights activist; and WHEREAS, Outside of his professional endeavors, Marc Coppola enjoys sharing moments and memories with his beloved wife of 28 years, fellow New Yorker and actress, singer, and writer Elizabeth Seton Brindak, and his two cherished daughters, Natasha and Cayley; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Marc Coppola upon the occasion of his designation as the 2026 Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Marc Coppola.