Assembly Resolution No. 1354

BY: M. of A. Morinello

COMMENDING Marc Coppola upon the occasion of his
designation as the 2026 Italian American of the Year
by the New York Conference of Italian American State
Legislators

WHEREAS, From time to time, this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledges their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity
among us all; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Marc Coppola upon the occasion of his designation as the 2026
Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of Italian
American State Legislators; and

WHEREAS, A native New Yorker born in Bayshore, New York, Marc
Coppola, also known as "The Cope," is a proud Italian American with deep
roots in New York City and Long Island; and

WHEREAS, Marc Coppola's great grandparents are both from Southern
Italy and settled in the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn, New York; one
great grandfather, Francesco Pennino, came from Naples, Italy, and his
other great grandfather, Agostino Coppola, came from Bernalda, Italy;
and

WHEREAS, At the age of 15, Marc Coppola first entered the field of
radio when he and a friend built a studio that broadcasted roughly eight
blocks in every direction, providing both the opportunity to experiment
with operating a radio station; and

WHEREAS, When Marc Coppola grew older, he would further his passion
for radio by working at various outlets in Southern California, West
Virginia, Mississippi, Wisconsin, and the Philippines before settling
back in New York City in 1980; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Marc Coppola utilizes his skills, talents, and
passions at WAXQ, WLTW, and WKTU, which all air in New York City; and

WHEREAS, As an established and respected professional in the radio
industry, Marc Coppola often publicly lectures on preserving the future
of radio in America and around the world to audiences throughout New
York; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, Marc Coppola has built a successful acting
career, and he is best known for his work in "Apocalypse Now" (1979),
"Leaving Las Vegas" (1995), "Bel Air" (2000), and "The Bling Ring"
(2013); and

WHEREAS, With a desire to help young students establish their own
performance skills, Marc Coppola has taught acting and voice lessons to

teens at the Sanford Meisner Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City for
several years; and

WHEREAS, Marc Coppola operates his own theater company that stages
productions with intentional anti-drugs and anti-alcohol abuse themes
and messages; he also serves as a board member for the Long Island
Symphony Orchestra and is an animal rights activist; and

WHEREAS, Outside of his professional endeavors, Marc Coppola enjoys
sharing moments and memories with his beloved wife of 28 years, fellow
New Yorker and actress, singer, and writer Elizabeth Seton Brindak, and
his two cherished daughters, Natasha and Cayley; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Marc Coppola upon the occasion of his designation as the 2026
Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of Italian
American State Legislators; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Marc Coppola.