John A. Kopeski Sr, 90, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2020. Born February 18th, 1930 in Westfield, MA. He was a licensed plumber for over 40 years. John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lillian Lachut Kopeski who he met in 1950. In 1951 he convinced her to marry him with those stellar blue eyes of his, telling her that he would love her unconditionally, and that he would always be "her Johnnie." His family takes comfort in knowing that Lillian was waiting to greet him at Heaven's door.
John was very proud to serve in the Marines during WWII and the Korean War. As a young man he saw the best and the worst of the world as he served his country. He raised his children by the Marine core values of "Honor, Courage and Commitment" teaching them to respect others, to have integrity, and to be the best each of them could be.
John had a strong passion for giving back, whether it was cooking meals for his church parish Our Lady of the Rosary, or at the Elks Lodge 61 in Springfield where he was a lifetime member and tirelessly volunteered in their Youth Hockey Program. He shared his love of hockey with his sons and grandsons spending many years behind the glass as an avid supporter to the generations he inspired. He was extremely proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus Agawam Council #5585 for 47 years where he formed many wonderful friendships including the one with his best friend and brother knight, Tom Vyzga. John rose to the most prestigious Fourth Degree Knight, and served as an Honor Guard for Archbishop Williams Assembly. He was very active in their fund-raising efforts, and in particular, the "Tootsie Roll" drive for God's Special Children.
John or "Pabe" as he was endearingly nicknamed by his family, will be missed by his four children, Judith Newbury and her husband Jim, Susan Barlow and her loving partner Mike Machler, John (Chip) Kopeski and his wife Karen, and Michael H Kopeski. His grandchildren, Nicholas Newbury, Michael C Kopeski, Alexandra and her husband Josh Noveletsky, Garrett Kopeski and his fiancé Samantha White, Josh Kopeski, Gabrielle Kopeski and great-grandson James Ralph Noveletsky. He also leaves behind his brother in law Hank Lachut and many loved nieces and nephews and their families. John was predeceased by his brothers Henry G. and Victor Kopeski.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John to Baystate Hospital Cardiac Rehab Unit, 280 Chestnut Street, Springfield MA 01199. Friends and family may meet Thursday June 11th at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Church in Springfield for John's Funeral Mass. Burial with Military Honors will follow the Mass at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Curran-Jones Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. For more information and to make online condolences please go to curranjones.com.