George Stewart Kopp

Of Vienna, VA died Saturday, February 1, 2020, with his loving wife Gini and their son Joshua at his side. Born June 22, 1944 in Chicago, IL, George moved with his family to Ocean Grove, NJ in 1957, where he cultivated lifelong friendships and a love for the Jersey Shore. George went on to graduate from Arkansas State University and with honors from the University of Arkansas School of Law. George was an accomplished public servant, with long tenures at the US Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission and the US Congress. Among his many achievements, George directed the first Congressional hearing on global warming. He served on several political campaigns including the 1992 Clinton Presidential Campaign, after which he was an advisor to the president's transition team. Following government service, he represented several multinational companies in the transportation and public works sectors and volunteered as Counsel for the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation. With quick wit and humor, George loved to entertain. He was a master of storytelling, BBQ and 3-olive martinis. His friends and colleagues considered him a joy to debate with and a pleasure to work alongside. A devoted husband and father, George is survived by his wife Gini and son Joshua. He was preceded in death by his father George W. Kopp, his mother Edna C. Kopp (Stewart), and his brother R. Jeffery Kopp. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at the Fairfax Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, VA from 2 to 5 p.m. A memorial service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers please send donations in George's memory to Kennedy Krieger Institute, Inpatient Unit at www.kennedykrieger.org. February 1, 2021 - A year ago today George left this earthly world, his spirit still strong and jovial, but his body tired. He had been in tremendous pain for some time, but never complained. I know he hung on as long as he could for Joshua and me, until his body just couldn’t fight anymore. But there wasn’t a day that went by that we didn’t know he loved us. Despite the turn of events in our lives the past 6 years, George always kept a smile, had a joke, an interest and care for others, and the desire to make a difference. He never stopped dreaming for our future, even through the daily pain he was in, both physically and emotionally. Ever-the optimist, he was so sure that a better day was around the corner with new adventures and possibilities. He was my rock and our biggest cheerleader, always generous with words of encouragement, hope, and the promise that all would be ok. His love for us was evident in everything he did. George was a loyal friend, a witty conversationalist, a valuable colleague, and a worthy opponent. Most of all to me, he was a wonderful husband and father to Joshua. I miss him every minute of every day. I am waiting for the world to be a safer place for us to gather and celebrate George and his accomplished and colorful life. In the meantime, if you have a particularly fond memory of George, or picture of him, I would love it if you would share it by posting it here or emailing me directly. I am longing for more memories and stories of him.