John Copella Obituary

SIDNEY - John Kevin Copella, 30, of Hamilton/Sidney, OH passed away on July 17, 2025, at 2 am at home with family by his side.

John was born on September 20, 1994, in Sidney, OH to Kevin and Kathy Copella and attended Queen of Peace Church in Hamilton, OH.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Matthew and Esther Gilardi, Ken and Joan Copella, and nephew Finley Jo Hotze.

John is survived by his sisters Katie (Josh) Hotze, Andrea (Evan) Bartow, nieces and nephews: Oliver, Aiden, Ava, Nicholas, Isabell, Julian, Cooper, and Charlie. John's close friends Sam and Kelsey Bonekamp were special to him and like family.

John graduated from Mount St. Joseph University in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in accounting where he was a 2-year member of the men's golf team. He was the recipient of the Mount St. Joseph University Excellence in Leadership Award in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

John graduated from Xavier University in 2018 with a MAcc (Master of Accounting). He acquired his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from the Accountancy Board of Ohio in 2020 and passed his CPA exams while undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer. John attended Holy Angels grade school and is a graduate of Lehman Catholic High School, class of 2013.

John worked for the Cincinnati Insurance Companies for the past 8 years as a Senior Tax Accountant, and more recently, Tax Manager. His co-workers and employer have been supportive during his treatments and a blessing to his family.

John's first job was at Shelby Oaks Golf course, where he enjoyed many years golfing with family and at community events. His parents and grandparents watched endless matches as John played on the Lehman High School golf team. He loved spending time with his Grandpa Matt and Grandma Esther on the course.

John was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew and had 7 Godchildren. He valued education and set a goal to assist his nieces and nephews with higher education.

The family will receive friends at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 22, 5 pm – 7 pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 23 at 10:30 am, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Sidney, OH, with Father John Tonkin officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Graceland Cemetery in Sidney. In lieu of flowers, because of John's passion to protect the unborn, the family suggests donations be sent to Elizabeth's New Life Center, 2579 Michigan Street, Sidney, OH 45365 or Holy Angels Catholic School, Sidney, OH.