Copman, Louis' Obituary
Dr. Louis Copman died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Aloha Nursing and Rehab Center in Kaneohe, Hawaii. His beloved wife of 67 years, Avera, was at his side listening to “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra.
The chorus of this song captures his lifelong adoration for Avera Copman, who grew up in the same Philadelphia neighborhood. Lou knew right away that she was his one true love. He asked Avera to marry him at the bus stop, telling her to get on the bus if her answer was yes, and to say goodbye if the answer was no.
Avera got on the bus and faithfully stood by Lou as he finished medical school—scoring top in the country in his medical school board exams in 1958. Lou served for more than 20 years as a radiologist and an officer in the US Navy. While Lou was stationed in Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, the couple had two children: Mark (Karri) in 1959 and Linda in 1961. They then moved south to Pensacola, Florida, then back to the suburbs of Philadelphia, and finally to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Lou and Avera fell in love with Hawaii and spent the last four decades enjoying the trade winds, long walks together, and the breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and forests of windward Oahu and the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island.
Lou loved his family deeply and he was a wise mentor, moral bedrock, and kindhearted father and grandfather to six grandchildren: Jacob Copman, Samuel Copman (Mary-Kate), and Anna (John Kenney), Jetembo Sebesta, and Sofia and Natalie Boucher, and one great-grandchild, Emma Copman. He was not shy about pronouncing his love, repeating the phrase, “I love you!” on every family phone call and visit.
His good nature won over all who had the chance to get to know him. He was perhaps the best person we—who had the privilege of knowing him—have ever known. He is and will be dearly missed. As he floats among the stars, we offer this verse to him:
“Fill my heart with song And let me sing forevermore You are all I long for All I worship and adore In other words, please be true In other words, I love you."
What’s your fondest memory of Louis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Louis?
Share a story where Louis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Louis you’ll never forget.
How did Louis make you smile?