Shooting Victim in Melbourne, Florida was a NJ Restaurateur/Chef

A man who was killed trying to protect a woman in a Melbourne, Florida mall shooting was formerly a well-known restaurateur and chef for several dining establishments in Somerset, New Jersey.

At nj.com, it was reported that the pizzeria owner, Leonardo Coppola, 36, was shot to death Saturday at a Melbourne, Florida mall as he tried to protect a woman from her husband.

The pizzeria owner who was shot to death Saturday at a Melbourne, Florida mall as he tried to protect a woman from her armed husband was a well-known restaurant owner and executive chef for multiple Mercer County restaurants, most recently at Padrino's Bistro & Italian Steakhouse in Hamilton.

Coppola owned a restaurant in the Melbourne Square Mall food court and was killed as he tried to protect Idanerys Garcia-Rodriguez from her husband when he opened fire in the crowded mall, according to The Associated Press.

Jose Garcia-Rodriguez then killed himself, but his wife survived and was hospitalized in good condition.

Coppola was born and raised in Naples, Italy, and at age 14, moved to New Jersey with his family.

From Padrino's facebook page:

Statement from the Family of Leonardo Coppola:

“We are shocked, saddened and numb. The loss of Leonardo, our beloved husband, father, son and brother, is unimaginable to us. He was deeply committed to his family and his community, and the world has lost a beautiful soul. It came as no surprise to us that he died trying to help someone else. He has always been our hero, and that is how he will be remembered. We respectfully ask for privacy during this painful time, so that our family can come together to mourn and to heal. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to a special account for the continued care and upbringing of Leonardo's eight year old son. Donations should be made payable to Ameriprise Financial or Kimberly Coppola and be mailed to Ameriprise Financial, 2300 East Lincoln Hwy, Suite 705 Langhorne, PA 19047. Thank you for the outpouring of support.”

Media Contact:

Jenifer Sarver

Jenifer@SarverStrategies.com

May this true hero rest in peace.