Published in the February 16, 2018 edition
MELROSE — William H. Copeland, 95, a longtime resident of Melrose and proud Navy veteran of WWII, passed away peacefully at Care One in Wilmington on Thursday, February 8, 2018.
William was born on March 7, 1922 in Boston, one of four children of the late Nelson Copeland and Mabel (Jones) Copeland. Known to all as Cope, he was a local Melrose boy who enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 before he had graduated from high school. He honorably served his country as a Gunners Mate, 2nd Class aboard Submarine Chaser 532 in the Mediterranean. Bill’s service during WWII profoundly impacted his life and shaped his future as a husband, father and friend. Following an honorable discharge, Bill returned home and married Myrle C. Pankopf on September 8, 1946. They settled in Melrose to raise a family of four children while Bill worked as a journeyman electrician for Local #103 for many years.
Bill was a friend to many, and often the life of the party. He enjoyed meeting new people, sharing a laugh with a friend or neighbor, and took special care of his fellow veterans. Bill was a well known and beloved figure at many veterans events over the years and gave back to the Melrose community with his loyal support of veterans. He was an active member of the Harold O. Young VFW Post #2394 in Melrose for many years and served as past Commander and Chaplain of the DAV. Bill was proud to have organized a diploma receiving ceremony for other fellow veterans who had departed for the war before graduating from Melrose High.
After retirement from the IBEW, Bill and Myrle along with their daughter Dianne and husband Gene purchased a family camping area in 1977 at Keoka Beach in South Waterford, Maine which they owned and operated for approximately 10 years.
Bill Copeland was a man of many talents. In his early years with Myrle, they enjoyed dancing, especially jitterbug and square dancing. He loved to play the bones and continued playing throughout his 95 years of life. Good with his hands, Bill developed a love for woodworking, and crafted each of his grandchildren their own handmade wooden toy.
Always involved in the community, Bill was an active and proud member of the Masons Fidelity Lodge AF&AM of Melrose for 63 years. He also served as Boy Scout leader in both Melrose and North Reading.
Bill will be forever remembered for his passionate support of all veterans, his love of family, and his friendly, endearing nature. He will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered.
Bill was the beloved husband of Myrle C. (Pankopf) Copeland with whom he shared 71 years of marriage. Devoted father of Dianne Bailot and her late husband Gene of Ipswich, Chris Copeland and his wife Diane of Methuen, Karen Paonessa and her husband Joseph of Stoneham, and Amy Copeland-Potamis and her husband Greg of Melrose. Dear brother of the late Royal Copeland, Sidney Copeland, and Florence Whitehead. Cherished grandfather of Kimberly Chin and her husband Bandy, Samantha Colby and her husband Aaron, Matthew Copeland and his wife Lammie, Jessica Copeland, Melissa Copeland, Allyson Wallace and her husband Jay, Amanda Sapienza and her husband Mike, Joshua Potamis and his wife Wendy D’Agata-Potamis, Nicholas Potamis, and Kassandra Potamis. Loving great-grandfather of Kelsey, Kyleigh, Aidan, Charlotte, Emma, Laura, and Evander.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 4-8 p.m., and for his funeral service at the First Congregational Church, 121 W. Foster St., Melrose celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors presented by the U.S. Navy at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gifts in Bill’s memory can be made to the DAV, Malden Chapter #85, 85 Willow St., Malden, MA 02148. For online tribute, or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
