Charles Donald (“Don”) Coppinger, of Princeton, N.J., passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, at Fox Trail Memory Care in Princeton. He was 79.
Don was born in Newark, N.J., and spent his early years in Montclair, N.J., before his family moved to Princeton. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles A. and Eleanor (Quinby) Coppinger, and his older brother, William Q. Coppinger. Known for his warm personality and love of conversation, Don touched the lives of many in his community.
Don’s deep connection to the Mooney family began when his family moved to Princeton, two doors away from the Mooneys on Dodds Lane. Over the years, he became an honorary member of their family, serving as a cherished “grandfather” figure to Rob and Cheryl Mooney’s four children.
A graduate of Princeton High School, Class of 1962, Don was a standout Varsity tennis player and a devoted sports fan. His passion extended beyond his own athletic pursuits to coaching and supporting the Mooney children in their various sports endeavors.
Whether shooting hoops, tossing a baseball, or cheering from the sidelines, Don found immense joy in the camaraderie of sports. He was well known by many on the sidelines of local Little League and high school games. A dedicated Mets and Giants fan, his greatest pride was spectating games featuring the Mooney kids, whose accomplishments he celebrated with heartfelt enthusiasm.
Professionally, Don worked for a time as Director of Sales for Overseas Charter-a-Flight, a wholesaler for low fare aviation pioneer Freddie Laker’s Laker Airways. Don traveled on business to London, developing a lifelong appreciation for the city. Later, he served as a school bus driver for Princeton-area schools and worked for several car hire companies, always engaging with those around him.
A talented musician, Don was a gifted pianist known for his lively renditions of Gershwin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” and other classics. He also served as an organist for Nassau Presbyterian Church, sharing his love of music with the congregation.
In his later years, Don was a beloved regular at Starbucks, where he met with friends most every morning to catch up and share stories. He was an avid newspaper reader, and nearly always with copies of the New York Times, the Newark Star Ledger, the Trenton Times, the Trentonian, and the Town Topics, and always up to date on the local sports pages. His affable nature and keen interest in the world around him made him a constant source of joy to those who knew him.
Don’s final years were marked by the unwavering care and companionship of Cheryl Mooney, who supervised his care with love and dedication. His good-natured spirit and genuine kindness will be deeply missed by his many friends, neighbors, and especially the Mooney family, who considered him one of their own.
Don will be interred with his beloved parents at Oakwood Cemetery, Mount Kisco, N.Y., in the spring next year.
Rest in peace, Don. Your light will forever shine in the hearts of those who loved you.