Richard Phillip Copeland

Richard P. Copeland, 84, beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather, was called home July 19, 2026 after a battle with laryngeal cancer. He was born March 31, 1942 in Titusville, Pennsylvania to Oscar and Virginia Copeland.

Richard skipped his graduation ceremonies in Titusville to join the US Air Force, completed basic training and was stationed in El Paso, TX and Albuquerque, NM. There he met his first love of his life, Geraldine Weber, to whom he was married for 52 years. He left the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant to work civil service at the Kirtland Air Force Weapons Lab in Albuquerque. Richard and Gerry grew their family with two daughters, Kristin (Wilton) and Barbara (Chamberlin) as Richard was becoming an electronics engineer. "Cope" and Gerry lived Albuquerque until she preceded him in death on December 9, 2018.

Cope worked on many projects at the Lab, and he was especially proud of designing and building their family home in the northeast heights of Albuquerque. He would often say he did everything but "lay the carpet & foam the roof" including making his own adobes. Cope also served as a Sunday School teacher and 4-H leader, and loved square dancing and fishing. Cope became an officer in the Mounted Patrol in Bernalillo County in 1985 and was a Mason for more than 55 years and served as Secretary of Mesa Lodge #68 and Worshipful Master of Sandia Mountain Lodge #72. Upon retirement, Cope volunteered at his church, delivered meals for Meals on Wheels and served at Love, Inc. After surviving bladder cancer in 2000, he counseled new ostomy patients to help them adjust. He was a member of the United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and was most recently a member of the Sandia Fellowship Global Methodist Church.

In June of 2020, Cope married his second love, Gloria. They spent the last 6 years together travelling and enjoying time spent with their kids and grandkids.

Cope had a big personality and never knew a stranger. After surviving several near-death accidents, he valued love and life, spending his time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; brother, Tom; daughters Kristin Wilton (Tom), Barbara Chamberlin (CC); grandchildren Allison Wilton, Abby Wilton, and Jordan Wilton and Alexander Chamberlin and Carter Chamberlin; and sister-in-law Emy Hall. He is also survived by Gloria's family: whose children, grandchildren and siblings embraced him as their own. The combined families gave Richard five children, thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, August 10, 2026 at 10:00 am, at FRENCH- Lomas. The service will also be live-streamed on FrenchFunerals.com. He will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, Richard requested contributions be made to Mesa Lodge Masonic Charities- 3167 San Mateo Blvd. NE #231, Albuquerque, NM 87110.