Gerret van Sweringen Copeland, a lifelong Delawarean, died peacefully with his loving family at his side on May 28, 2026. He was born in 1939 to Lammot du Pont Copeland and Pamela Cunningham Copeland and grew up at their family estate, which is now the Mt. Cuba Center.
Gerret lived a life defined by intellectual curiosity, service, generosity, and a deep appreciation for beauty in all its forms. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps before continuing his education at the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University.
He was the loving and devoted husband of Tatiana Copeland and shared with her a lifelong commitment to the causes and communities they cared for deeply.
Gerret was widely known for his passion for wine. As owner of Bouchaine Vineyards in Napa Valley and an Officier Commandeur of the Confrérie du Tastevin, he brought enthusiasm, knowledge, and fellowship to the world of wine. He shared this knowledge for fourteen years as a guest lecturer in the field of wine at the University of Delaware.
Equally important to him was the preservation of nature and open space. Throughout his life, Gerret dedicated himself to environmental stewardship and horticultural causes. He served as a former Trustee of the Brandywine Conservancy and as a board member of both Longwood Gardens and Mt. Cuba Center, organizations whose missions reflect his enduring love of the natural world. In addition, he was a Board member of the Longwood Foundation.
A committed patron of the arts, Gerret served as Chairman of the Delaware Art Museum and was an enthusiastic supporter of artistic and cultural institutions. He possessed a lifelong love of art and believed deeply in its power to inspire, educate, and enrich communities.
Gerret was also a devoted animal lover. Together with his wife Tatiana, he was deeply involved with Humane Animal Partners and the Brandywine SPCA, supporting the care and welfare of countless animals over the years.
His numerous honors include the Order of the First State in 2011, Delaware’s highest honor, the Delaware History Maker’s Award in 2019, The Josiah Marvel Cup Award in 2020, and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Delaware in 2022, which was presented by President Biden.
He is survived by his cherished wife, Tatiana, his son Gerret Copeland, Jr. (wife Kym), his daughter Ann Rose (husband Andrew), and his treasured granddaughter, Louisa Rose, his only grandchild. His son and daughter were from his first marriage to Ann Copeland. He is also survived by his brother, Lammot Copeland, Jr, and his sister, Louisa Duemling, as well as his beloved two dogs, Billie and Orrie.
Above all, Gerret will be remembered for his thoughtful spirit, wide-ranging passions, generosity, tremendous legacy, and the lasting impact he made on the people, institutions, animals, and landscapes he loved.
A memorial service will be held on Friday June 5, 2026 at 4:30 pm at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Greenville, Delaware, followed by a reception at the Delaware Art Museum.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brandywine SPCA, 290 Churchmans Rd, New Castle, DE 19720, Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806, Delaware Symphony, 100 West 10th Street, Suite 1003 Wilmington, DE 19801, Humane Animal Partners, 701 A St Wilmington, DE 19801, Longwood Gardens, Friends of Longwood Gardens P.O. Box 501 Kennett Square, PA 19348, and Mt. Cuba Center, Attn: Philanthropy Office, 3120 Barley Mill Road Hockessin, DE 19707.
Condolences
Thank You
Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.