In one capacity or another, Joe Coppola has given his energies to the Sunrisers since the early 1960's. Before the Beatles landed at JFK, Joe anchored the lower soprano section along with “Uncle Ed” Tierney. From slip-slide to rotary to the G/F horn, Joe marched and Joe wailed. When the corps lost its Mineola and then Hempstead homes, Joe convinced the Massapequa Elks they couldn't live without the Sunrisers. Well, Mr. Coppola, Sr. had something to do with it, too, but the Sunrisers are a family affair for the Coppolas. Moving seamlessly into management, Joe helped guide the corps in the '70s and saw it ultimately flourish into national prominence. He has been instrumental in connecting generations of Sunrisers by facilitating reunions and presently co-directs the establishment of the Sunrisers Alumni Corps. For over 40 years of devotion to the corps, the Sunrisers proudly honor Joe Coppola.