Vernon ("Chip") Eugene Copeland Jr.
August 21, 1953 – May 31, 2025
Age 71

Vernon Eugene Copeland Jr., lovingly known as "Chip," passed away suddenly at his home on May 31, 2025, at the age of 71. Born in Newburgh, NY, Chip lived a life so full of heart, music, service, laughter, and adventure that it lit up every room—and every person—he ever encountered.

To know Chip was to feel something. He had a rare gift—he could connect with anyone, no matter who they were or what they were going through. Whether you met him in passing or had him in your life for years, Chip made sure you walked away with your spirits lifted and your heart a little fuller.

Chip worked for over 20 years as a talented service technician with Sears before stepping out on his own to create Chip's Appliance Repair, where he served his community with pride for another 25 years. He wasn't just the guy who fixed your washing machine—he was the guy who remembered your kids' names, told a great story while tightening bolts, and stayed to chat long after the job was done. Integrity, humor, and generosity were the tools he brought to every job.

But music—music was where his soul shined the brightest. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and singer, Chip lived and breathed melody. He loved the keyboard most, but you could just as easily catch him on the drums, bass, or on either an electric or folk guitar. He played in countless bands over the years, most recently Fourth Fret, a family band he formed with his sister Jacki and brother Bruce. Their jam sessions were legendary—filled with laughter, storytelling, and songs that told the truth about life, love, and everything in between. There may have been a little sipping whiskey involved too! And when he wasn't making music, he was chasing it—he proudly saw the band YES live more than 20 times and even got a tattoo in their honor.

Chip's adventurous spirit didn't end at the edge of a stage. He was a licensed Cessna pilot who found freedom in the skies and joy in flight simulators. He was a motorcycle rider who loved the roar of the engine and the promise of the open road. He took up golf later in life, because why not? Every new passion was a fresh chapter—and Chip was never done writing his story. A lifelong swimmer and diver, he never passed up a chance to get in the water. And few things made him happier than camping with his family, where stories flowed like campfire smoke and memories were made in every shared sunrise.

Above all, Chip's heart belonged to his family. He is survived by his partner, Tami Love; his children—Devon Cabreja (Miguel), Heather Jackson (Issac), Ashley Mitchell, and Vernon E. Copeland III— he loved them all; and his eight grandchildren who were a source of pride for him. He is also survived by his mother, Fanny Copeland, and his siblings: Jacki Burnett-Jackson (Anthony), Bruce Copeland (Denise), and Veronica Copeland-Meier (Andrew).

He joins in peace those who went before him: his father, Vernon E. Copeland Sr.; his sister, Barbara Copeland-Jacobs; the mother of his children, Thersea Copeland; his grandparents; and many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Chip didn't just live—he lived out loud. He gave love freely, laughed deeply, and filled spaces with song, mischief, warmth, and wonder. His legacy isn't just in the music he made or the homes he fixed—it's in the thousands of quiet moments he made brighter just by being there.

A visitation will be held on Saturday June 7th from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Brooks Funeral Home located at 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550.

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