Gordon Allan Coupe, known to his family as Butch, passed away on September 13, 2026, in McLean, Virginia, surrounded by music and family after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born on June 9, 1946, in Mineola, New York.

Gordon will be remembered for his love of sports, music, and animals. He always followed his local football and baseball teams and loved to coach his daughters' sports teams. He had a soft spot for animals and cared lovingly for his adopted pets and animals he cared for as a pet sitter. He was always drumming on something, a gifted musician, Gordon played many instruments without any formal training. He could often be found at drum circles, belly-dancing performances, and world music concerts, playing drums, guitar, or the saz, a Turkish stringed instrument. He even wrote his own music, finding inspiration from the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Little Feat.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Bailey; his daughters, Anita Coupe (Ryan Donlon) and Julie Coupe; his brother, Peter Coupe; and his sister, Sharon Coupe (James Kay). He is also survived by his niece, Katherine Coupe, and by his nephew, Michael Coupe (son Michael, Jr.); and his grandchildren, Ines Molina, Lucas Molina, and Leah Adamson. Gordon’s family and friends will remember him with love for the music he made, the calm and quiet presence he brought into a room, and the affection he carried for both people and animals. The family is particularly grateful for the care he received at the end of his life from the staff at Avalon House. 

Gordon served in the United States Air Force and was deployed to Thailand during the Vietnam War. He was proud to have served his country and will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery, where his parents are buried.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Coupe, and by his parents, Stephen Gordon Coupe and Dorothy Hobson Coupe.

Gordon’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.