Donald Coppola, longtime area jazz musician and Williamsville Central Schools Music Educator, passed away peacefully at Brothers of Mercy in Clarence, NY on February 5, 2026. Born in Buffalo, NY to Ralphael Angelo And Emily (Hess) Coppola, he attended Kensington High School and went on to Buffalo State Teachers College earning a B.S. in Art Education in 1952. He married the love of his life, May O. Wilkins, in 1953, while serving in the United States Army Fifth Infantry Division Band at Fort Knox, KY. After completing his military service Don and May moved to Dunkirk, NY where he studied Music at Fredonia State College. He began his career in 1956 teaching elementary instrumental music at Academy School, North Forest Elementary and Dodge Elementary in Williamsville. He completed his Master of Arts at the University of Buffalo in 1960, working under Dr. Robert Mols. His Master's thesis included the composition of his "Quartet for Winds." Don was a well known jazz pianist and arranger earning the nickname "the Oscar Peterson of Western New York." Retiring from Williamsville Schools in 1988, he enjoyed photography and camera repair along with his lifelong passion and hobby of model railroading and trains. Above all, Donald treasured his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, May; his children, Michael (Kim), Andrew (Karen) and Mary (Gary) Britton; his grandchildren, Malissa (Christopher) Picone, Christopher (Andrea), Gregory (Samantha), Jennifer (Émile) Trottier, Michael, and Jeffrey Britton; and eight great grandchildren - Rosalina, Elena, Leonardo, Faith, Gavino, Tricia Richards, Isabelle Picone and Sam Picone.  Family will receive relatives and friends at the WENDEL & LOECHER INC. FUNERAL HOME 27 Aurora St. Lancaster, NY Sunday February 15th from 2-4pm.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Peace Church 10959 Main St. Clarence, NY 14031 Monday February 16th at 10am (please assemble at church).  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Community Music School 217 East Delavan Avenue Buffalo, NY 14208 or Brothers of Mercy Campus Foundation 4520 Ransom Rd. Clarence, NY  14031