Andrew Kopcho Jr.

     Mr. Andrew Kopcho Jr., 91, a well known and respected resident of Wilkes-Barre's North End neighborhood, fell asleep in the Lord unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon shortly after admission to Allied Hospice Center, Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre with his family at his bedside.

     Born January 3, 1930 in Wilkes-Barre, he was son to the late Andrew and Sophie (Maleta) Kopcho.  Educated in the city schools, he was a 1949 graduate of the James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.

     Until his retirement, Mr. Kopcho was employed for thirty-nine years with the former Acme Markets, retiring as an assistant grocery manager.  Previously, in his youth, he was employed by the former Robzen Slaughterhouse of North Wilkes-Barre.

     Devoted to his Byzantine Catholic faith, "Andy" as he was known, was an active member of Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, North Wilkes-Barre where he served as a trustee.  He could often be seen volunteering his time around the parish grounds; assisting with the annual parish festival or various church dinners.  He might best be remembered for working with his son and grandson in making sure the lawn of the parish cemetery in Dallas was mowed and the grounds were welcoming for all who came to reverently pay respects to those departed.  He was also a member of the parish Knights of Columbus Council #12325 where he served as treasurer, and held membership in the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Bishop William J. Hafey Assembly #925.  For his untiring dedication to his church, he was the recipient of the parish's Saint Nicholas Award in 2008, of which he was so proud.

     Mr. Kopcho was also a dedicated life member of the North End Slovak Citizens' Club where he served on the Board of Directors and was awarded the distinction "Man of the Year" in 2011.

     He sat on the Board of Governors for the U.F.C.W. Community Credit Union and was a social member of the Polish American Veterans Club of Hudson.

     In his limited spare time, Andy was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles; Notre Dame football and followed the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

     Mr. Kopcho was preceded in death by brothers John, Charlie and Nick Kopcho as well as sisters, Mrs. Julia Tlucek and Mrs. Mary Dinoski; by his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Linda H. (Bell) Kopcho on July 3, 2016 and most recently by his beloved wife, Mrs. Rosalyn P. (Woyton) Kopcho on October 24, 2020.  At the time of Mrs. Kopcho’s passing, the couple shared 68 years of married life together.

     Left to cherish the wonderful memories they hold of him are his children; Andy (Buddy) Kopcho of Shavertown and Judy Kopcho of North Wilkes-Barre; Grandson, Jonathan Kopcho and his fiancee, Cindy Makuch of Shavertown; Great-granddaughter, Kylie Lynn Kopcho; Brother, Mr. Michael Kopcho of Endicott, N.Y.; Numerous nieces, nephews, fellow parishioners and dear friends. Andy will be greatly missed by all those he touched in this life.

     The Kopcho family would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr. David Greenwald and his staff for the care and compassion shown to their dad especially in his final days.

     Funeral services for Mr. Kopcho will be conducted on Friday morning with the Office of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 695 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.  The Reverend Michael Kerestes, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

     Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in the family lot of the parish cemetery, Lake Street, Dallas.

     Those wishing to attend services are asked to assemble directly at church by 10:15 a.m.

     Relatives and friends are invited to join the Kopcho family for visitation and shared remembrances Thursday evening at the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.  

     In lieu of floral tributes, memorial donations are requested in Mr. Kopcho's memory to Saint Mary' Byzantine Catholic Church, 695 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705.

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