Final Salute

Michael J. Kopec, 84, of White St., passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica. He was born on January 25, 1938 in Utica to the late Joseph and Rose Lancuski Kopec. He attended St. Patrick’s Grammar School and was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy. On August 4, 1979, in Waterville, Michael was united in marriage to Mary Lou (Terry) Treen. He was previously married to the former Nancy Blackstone.

Michael served in the New York Army National Guard, the Marine Corp from 1956-1958 where he attained the rank of Buck Sergeant, he then returned to the New York Army National Guard and eventually went on to serve with the US Navy Seabee Reserve, Steel Workers, retiring as Chief.

Michael belonged to the Local Iron Workers #440 of Utica, where he worked with Rig All, Inc. Michael was a communicant of St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church, Waterville. He was a member of the American Legion Post #92, Sangerfield, where he served as past commander, a member of American Veterans (AMVETS), The Navy Seabee Veterans of American, Inc. (NSVA)., a life member of the Marine Corps League, Polish Community Club, Utica, and their Polka league and the Loyal Order of Moose. In his earlier years, he enjoyed fishing and bowling.

Michael is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, children; Steve Kopec of Utica, Tom Kopec (Judy) of Holland Patent, Mike Kopec of Waterville, Cheryl (Dave) Pula of Clark Mills, stepchildren; Bruce (Robin) Treen of Waterville, Terri Detraglia of Madison, Tammi Cowen of Waterville, sisters; Sandy (Wayne) Skwarlo of SC., Candy (Bill) Fleming of TX., 14 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 11:00 AM from the St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church, 199 Stafford Ave., Waterville, NY 13480. Internment in St. Bernard’s Parish Cemetery with military honors will follow. Friends are invited and may call to the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St., Waterville, NY 13480 on Sunday, November 6, 2022 from 2-5 PM.