Darrell Ronald Cope

Darrell Ronald "Ronnie" Cope ,87 of Middletown, Connecticut passed away at home on March 21, 2026, with his loving family by his side. He was born July 9, 1938, in East Laporte, North Carolina in the Smoky Mountains.

Darrell was a veteran of the United States Air Force.  He was employed by Habasit formally Walters Belting and held varies positions throughout the years before his retirement in 2001 after 43 years as Customer Service Manager,

Darrell is survived by the love of his life of 68 years, Filomena Maria (Bafumi) Cope who he met and married in Tripoli, Libya while in the US Air Force, his daughter Melissa Cope and son Robert Cope of Middletown, son Greg Cope of Sylva, NC, and his precious granddaughter Elena Maria Cope of Charleston, SC.  Numerous beloved nieces and nephews and several dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Beaulah and Erastus Cope of Sylva, NC and 9 siblings, Aubrey (Buck) Cope, James (Pete) Cope, Dale Cope, William (Gale) Cope, Jimmy Cope, Colleen Tolley, Sue Pruitt, Elizabeth (LIbby) Cope, and Virigina (Kathy) Furr, 

Darrell's greatest loves were his family, the Smoky Mountains, country music, Boston Terriers and traveling in the USA and Europe. He loved the Italian culture and traveled throughout Italy several times visiting family and friends.  He was able to speak and write Italian fluently (self-taught) which always amazed the Italian people that he was not a native of Italy. 

Although he lived in Middletown for 60 years, he was a true North Carolina boy at heart.  He shared many stories of his youth with those he loved growing up in Caney Fork, NC in the Mountains.  He enjoyed long talks about his family and their history. When he was in good health, he went to the "Mountains" several times a year and spent part of his retirement in his second home in Sylva.

Darrell will be missed by many as he was a polite, kind, and loving man with a tender soul.  He would help anyone in need, especially his extended family.  He was recently described as a grizzly bear that had a Teddy Bear Heart.  He had a razor-sharp wit and was always quick with the comebacks.

Darrell will be returning home to his beloved Smokys where his burial and services will be held privately at a later date in Jackson County, North Carolina.

Compassionate God, Our hearts ache with grief, and we long for your healing touch. Please mend the brokenness within us and grant us the ability to move forward with love and compassion for one another. Let your light shine through our pain knowing that our beloved father is now in your loving embrace for eternity. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Moses Creek Baptist Church, 966 Moses Creek rd. Cullowhee, NC or the Community Table a non-profit charity in Sylva, NC (Donate through Network of Good). To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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