Edward J. Kopp Jr.

Edward John Kopp, Jr., 87, Parkville, MO, passed away May 19, 2011 at Northcare Hospice House, North Kansas City, MO. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, June 2nd at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to The Cooper Union, 30 Cooper Square, New York, NY 10003.

Edward was born April 20, 1924 in Jersey City, NJ to Edward J. Kopp and Loretta Behrens Kopp. He graduated from Bogota High School, Bogota, NJ in 1942. Edward began his education in engineering by attending Stevens War Industry Training School (Stevens Institute of Technology) prior to his military service. Edward was an Army Air Force veteran of World War II where he obtained the rank of sergeant. He served overseas with the 12th Army Air Force in North Africa during the Rome-Arno Southern France, Northern France Air Offensive and the European-African-Middle-Eastern campaign (AEME.) He was awarded 4 Bronze Stars for his service. After discharge from the Army Edward attended The Cooper Union in New York, where he graduated in 1952 with a Degree in Architecture. While attending The Cooper Union Edward married his wife of 59 years Dorothy. Edward was a licensed architect in the states of New Jersey and Missouri. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the New Jersey Society of Architects, and the Architects League of Northern New Jersey. Edward was skilled in many constructions trades. He was a master fine scale modeler and built from scratch museum quality sailing ship models and architectural models. He was an avid model railroader and modeled historically accurate layouts, locomotives and rolling stock in TT scale, N scale and G scale narrow gauge. He was an expert on the history of live steam era railroading in the United States with emphasis on the eastern corridor and Colorado Narrow gauge. Edward was also an accomplished photographer. He traveled extensively through the United States as well as the Orient and South Pacific, never missing an opportunity to ride and photograph local railroad equipment and operating live steam lines. His extensive collection of historic railroad photography dates back to the late 1930’s. In public service Edward was active in local northern New Jersey political campaigns. He was elected to the River Dell Regional School Board in New Jersey where he ultimately served as School Board President. Following retirement Edward and Dorothy moved to the Kansas City (Parkville), MO area to be near their sons and daughter.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy A. (Gavor) Kopp, children Richard E. (Karen S.) Kopp, Kathleen A. Kopp, and Robert L. (Karen L.) Kopp.