Jeff Koppel, 73, bid goodbye to family and friends on Jan. 12, 2020, from his home in Mifflinburg.

He was born Franklin Jeffrey Koppel but his older brother chastised his parents for the name Franklin so he was always known as Jeff. His father was the late Arthur Koppel and mother the late Jeannette (Freeman) Koppel. He was a late in life arrival on Sept.19, 1946, with a brother, Kenneth Koppel 15 years older and a sister Adele (Koppel) Roth 20 years older. Both preceded him in death. His dad used to joke that they threw away the parenting books when Jeff arrived.

Jeff often spoke of the unconditional love of his parents in spite of his antics and sometimes trouble he would get into. His was a fun childhood.

Jeff was a special husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and more to his family. He was a beloved friend to many and will be truly missed. All our lives have been richer because of him.

Jeff received his college degree and then masters from Long Island University. His professional career started as a college professor at Juniata College in the early 1970s but he soon found his professional home in the non-profit management world of early childhood education. His career included executive director of Huntingdon Child and Adult Development, director of early childhood services at the Berks County Intermediate Unit and then working with several different government contractors as a management training and technical assistance specialist for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. He used to joke that his last job was the best - listen, give advice, and head home! No problems to keep him up at night.

Jeff married Sharon Gibson in 1992. They shared a love of early childhood management, travel, the same politics, kayaking, biking, cooking, a commitment to animal rescue, a devotion to friends, and wine every day. Jeff and Sharon smiled and laughed and enjoyed each other as two soul mates meant to be together, finding happiness every day.

Jeff made friends easily and nurtured them over his lifetime. He spent his last weeks at home, smiling and comfortable with Sharon by his side and other family and friends visiting frequently. His was an earthly exit as good as possible.

Jeff has one daughter, Allison Koppel Coffey, from a previous marriage, a son-in-law, Matt Coffey, and the sweetest grand daughter, Alexis Jordan Coffey. Alexis visited often and brought unbridled joy to Jeff. Jeff had numerous nephews, nieces, in-laws, cousins and more, some whom he met late in life through family tree research.

Family and close friends spent the last weeks of Jeff's life celebrating his life with him, reminiscing, cherishing Jeff's smiles and witty remarks and offering comfort and companionship. He donated his body to science, one last gift to others. Friends have been sharing memories while Jeff was alive. These memories sustained him and his family as he traveled this final journey.

Donations in his memory may be sent to a charity of your choice. An open house celebration of his life will be planned in the spring at his home in Mifflinburg.