Constantine “Nick” “Mike” Copulos, 81, died peacefully May 3, 2017 surrounded by family. He leaves his sister, Diana Holmes; daughter, Tina (Barry) Elzig; son, Craig (Cindy) Copulos and son, Chad (Anthony Belef) Copulos, as well as his five grandchildren: Joshua, Sara, Allie, Justin and Casey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Copulos in 
2016.
Mike was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1935. The attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred while he was visiting California with his mother and sister, separated the family from their father for a time and ultimately resulted in the entire family settling in Long Beach.
Mike devoted a life-time to public service. He joined the Civil Air Patrol while in high school, served in the Army 82nd Airborne and was a Long Beach Police Officer. In 1968, he began a distinctive 20-year career with the California Highway Patrol where he was known to other officers as “Nick”. In 1982 he was awarded commendations by the California State Senate and the Assembly for his adept pursuit of a suspect and hostage following a fatal officer shooting. Nick later taught other officers in hostage response techniques and received the Governor’s Safety Award for his work. After retiring and until March of this year, he continued his service to the public, working for Lodi Memorial Hospital as a driver for Lodi Health Adult Day Care.
Mike was equally devoted to family. He met his wife of 57 years, Connie, in Long Beach. Connie and Mike moved the family to rural Lodi in 1973 and raised their family in the same home the family still owns to this day. Mike always made time for his children and grandchildren, who knew him as “Pop”.
He will always be known for his quick wit and humor.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CHP 11-99 Foundation at chp11-99.org.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
A celebration of his life will be held at Vineyard Chapel, 14165 N. Beckman Rd in Lodi, on Friday, May 19th at 11am.