In Memoriam: Lary Coppola

WPPA and the entire port family is saddened by the loss of Port of Allyn Executive Director Lary Coppola. Lary passed away on Sept. 30, just weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind his wife, Dee, stepdaughter Alexis, and grandson Bryce.

 “Anyone who met Lary could see he was an honest and genuine person and a true professional, not to mention an avid supporter of local business,the communities in which he lives and worked, and of course of  our ports. ” said WPPA Executive Director Eric ffitch. “Dedicated public servants are hard to find, and Lary will be greatly missed. We are thinking of his family and wishing them comfort and peace during this time of sorrow.”

 Lary was very active in the Kitsap County business community. He and Dee owned local media companies for decades, starting in the 1980s. Lary served as a longtime director and committee chair for local industry organizations, including the Building Industry Association of Washington, Kitsap Building Association, and the Washington Affordable Housing Council.

 Lary also had a distinguished record of public service. He served as Mayor of Port Orchard from 2008 to 2012, helping the city grow, attract businesses, and create jobs. He joined the Port of Allyn as executive director in 2015 and was also actively serving as a Commissioner for the Port of Manchester in Port Orchard.

 You can read more about Lary and his incredible life and legacy in the Kitsap Sun.

 The WPPA and port industry family extends our deepest sympathies to the Coppola family and joins them in mourning his loss.