Albert Copp Obituary

Albert Nils "Al" Copp

Albert "Al" Nils Copp, of Tiffin, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

He was born February 22, 1937, in Aurora, Illinois, to Albert Erwin and Hilda Marie (Frantzen) Copp. In 1955, Al graduated from West Aurora Senior High School, where he participated in varsity wrestling and football and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Upon graduation, he enrolled at University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, where he completed his undergraduate degree in ceramic engineering in 1962. Al went on to attend graduate school at Pennsylvania State University, earning a master's degree in solid state technology in 1965 and a Ph.D. in ceramic science in 1969.

While completing his graduate studies, Al was recruited by Basic Refractories to join its research staff and was later promoted to Director of Research. Al concluded his career at the company in 1992, when he retired as executive vice president. He went on to consult for refractory centers in Mexico and southern Ohio for the next two decades. Throughout his career, Al's expertise in the refractory industry led to extensive opportunities to travel and work abroad, including in China, Mexico, South America, and Scandinavia.

On September 28, 1983, in the Little Stone Church at the foot of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, he married Teresa Ellen Warren. Al and Teresa cherished their time together and with their children. In the early years of their marriage, this included many family trips to Mexico Beach, Florida, and other destinations throughout the country. More recently, their travels have centered on spending time with their children and grandchildren as their families and careers have taken them to locations including Nebraska, California, North Carolina, Spain, and Florida. Return trips to Mackinac Island and the site of their wedding, as well as many weekend afternoons spent at Lake Erie, were also treasured parts of their lives together.

Ever the engineer, Al loved to problem-solve and was always building tools or developing unique "fixes" to various needs around the house. He also enjoyed woodworking and personally built the kitchen cabinets and many furnishings in the family home. He was an avid reader throughout his life. He was also an excellent chef and, following his retirement, enjoyed preparing elaborate meals for the family. In his later years, Al spent many hours working outdoors.

Al is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nellie Etsinger; and grandson, Brett Copp.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa of Tiffin; son, Jason (Victoria) Copp of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; daughters, Susan (Travis Hunter) Copp of Japan, Jennifer (Andres Sanchez Borras) Copp and Allyson Harding, both of Tallahassee, Florida; and eight grandchildren, Samuel, Victoria, Benett, Alec, Braxton, Brianna, Carmen and Lola.

No services are planned at this time.

Memorial contribu-tions may be made to Tiffin YMCA or a charity of the donor's choice

Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

Condolences may be sent and guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.