WALTER E. KOPEC JR.
Hadley, MA – Walter E. Kopec Jr., 77, passed away peacefully at home
on September 2nd, 2025, following a long battle with COPD. He was born
on March 22nd, 1948, to the late Walter Kopec Sr. and Marie
(Kwasniewski) Kopec. He grew up in Hadley and attended Hadley schools,
graduating from Hopkins Academy in 1966. He enjoyed playing baseball
during those years as a pitcher. Walter, along with his brother Wayne,
learned the construction trade from their father, who owned Amherst
Roofing Company. They built many homes and provided roofing, siding,
and window work in the area.
Walter joined the Air Force in 1968 and retired from Barnes Air
National Guard Base in 1988 as a TSGT night shift security supervisor.
After retiring, he returned to construction, working for Barron &
Jacobs, and Fontaine Bros. Eventually he reopened Amherst Roofing Co.
until his health began to decline.
In his younger years he enjoyed hunting pheasants and deer, and
fishing in brooks or streams. More recently he enjoyed spending time
in his man cave, the “gazebo”, listening to oldies and watching tv,
especially old westerns, Red Sox games, or John Wick movies. But most
of all, he enjoyed his time spent with his children, grandchildren,
and friends. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him best.
He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Margaret (Rodak) Kopec; his
son, Walter Kopec III (Marcel Magni); his daughter, Corinna Kopec
(Peter Poniatowski); his stepsons, John and Daniel Waskiewicz ( Kara
Kostek); his grandchildren, Bradley Sanders, Paige Sanders, and Alex
Cioto; his sister, Donna Kopec Keith; his brother-in-law, John
Mieczkowski Sr.; Sister-in-law Jane Pasquel; many nieces, nephews, and
cousins; former wife Debra Kopec; and several close friends.
Walter is also predeceased by his sister Nancy Mieczkowski and his
brother Wayne Kopec.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Dibner-Dunlap, Dr. Zaman, the CDH ER
and ICU staff, and the CDH VNA and Hospice staff for their
compassionate care and assistance.
A graveside service will be held at Holy Rosary Cemetery, Huntington
Road in Hadley on September 19th , 2025, at 11:30 am. Czelusniak
Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to T2T.org or
Holy Rosary Cemetery Most Holy Redeemer Church (120 Russell Street,
Hadley MA)
Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and
tribute book.