Remembering Chet Coppock
• Legendary and flamboyant Chicago sportscaster Chet Coppock died on Wednesday, April 17 due to complications from injuries he sustained in an April 11 car accident outside of Hilton Head, SC. He was 70 years old.
A Facebook post from Chet’s daughter, Lyndsey Coppock read, in part, “His passing is untimely, unexpected and painfully sad, but all we can do at this time is remember how lucky we were to have such a unique and creative trailblazer help shape into the adults we know he was so incredibly proud of. Our father’s wishes were to have a memorial service for friends and family to reflect on good times and to laugh, sharing memories of the past. When we have those details we will share them as soon as possible.” She continued, “Life is too short and you are never promised another day. Tell your friends and family you love them, you never know when your last moments with them will be. We love you, Dad, and we are so proud of you.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, Coppock honed his act during a six-year stint at WISH-TV/Indianapolis in the ’70s, before moving home to Chicago in 1981 as a sports anchor at NBC-owned WMAQ (Channel 5). He also served as Sports Director for WMAQ-AM in the ’80s. Coppock also hosted a syndicated show for the Sporting News Network and hosted Notre Dame football pre-and postgame shows on WLS-FM, and did personal appearances, event-hosting jobs and endorsements.
Coppock’s colorful career also included stints as an announcer for the Roller Derby and World Wrestling Federation. He also wrote five books, including two memoirs. His latest, Your Dime, My Dance Floor was published last year.
As recounted by Chicago’s own Robert Feder, Coppock’s longtime friend Mark Giangreco, sports anchor at WLS-TV said of Coppock, “He was the one and only… He was the original.”
