Frank Kopko

Frank Kopko formerly of Yonkers passed away on April 26, 2020 at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston NJ at age 98. Frank was born on April 28, 1921 in Easton, PA to Michael and Anna Leszio (Lesiw) Kopko. He graduated from Yonkers HS in 1939 and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 on the USS Eldorado and the USS Biscayne. Frank was an Electronics Technician’s Mate First Class and received the Naval Unit Commendation Bar for Operation Iwo Jima. Other medals he received included American Theater Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and Commendation Victory Medal. He married Patricia Okal on October 29, 1960 in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Church, they lived in Yonkers until 2011 when they moved to New Jersey and enjoyed their days with the Sunrise West Essex community. Frank volunteered at the Sprain Brook Manor Nursing Home and was a member of the Bronxville Skating Club and the Yonkers Canoe Club. He was a parishioner of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Church and St. Eugene’s Church. Frank is survived by his wife of more than 59 years Patricia, his son Robert (Stephanie) of Cary, NC; 2 daughters Laurie Kopko Cox of Rockaway Twsp, NJ and Mary (Timothy) Carter of Cary, NC; 2 sisters Margaret Dellavalle of Flemington, NJ and Elizabeth Sottile of White Plains, NY; 7 grandchildren Christine Cox (Dave) West, Steven (Julia) Cox, Ryan Kopko, Sean Kopko, Alexandra Simmons, CJ Simmons and Kaitlyn Simmons; 3 great grandchildren Alexa West, Jack West and Axel West, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Anna and Michael, sisters Anne Capen, Katherine Ryan, Helen Kopko and brothers William Kopko, Paul Kopko and George Kopko.

Words from his family:

Frank adored Patricia, his wife of more than 59 years. He was a devoted husband and father, a family man who was so proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always home from work at the same time each day – imagine always knowing your dad would be there. He passed on his love of canoeing and sailing on the Hudson River, camping on the islands of Lake George, ice skating/dancing at Murray’s Rink, and love of the outdoors to his children and their children. His neighbors remember his beautiful smile, friendly disposition and fatherly guidance. He touched the lives of many people he saw daily, from his doctors, loving caregivers, neighbors and his dear family. He enjoyed volunteering with Patricia at Sprain Brook Manor Nursing Home in Scarsdale throughout the 1980s and 90s. He took the time to talk with others, and especially enjoyed sharing stories about his time in the Navy serving our country in WWII. Frank enjoyed oil and water-color painting, was an amazing problem solver, a true engineer, a Telephone Repairman and Electrical Engineer for the NY Telephone Co. for more than 37 years. He will be greatly missed. We are grateful and blessed to have had him here on earth for almost 99 years.

Should anyone desire, memorial donations may be made in his name to: St. Barnabas Medical Center, Emergency Response Fund, 94 Old Short Hills Road Livingston, NJ 07039. www.rwjbh.org/saint-barnabas-medical-center/giving/give-now/

There will be a private graveside service held St Joseph’s Cemetery in Yonkers, NY. Due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, we will postpone his celebration of life until the CDC’s regulations allow for larger gatherings. When the appropriate time comes, we will inform others of our additional plans to celebrate the life of Frank Kopko. Our family looks forward to the time that we can all celebrate and remember together.

Whalen & Ball Funeral Home

168 Park Ave,

Yonkers, NY 10703

(914)965-5488

www.whalenandballfh.com