Joseph A. Kopcza Jr.

JOSEPH ALBERT KOPCZA, JR
April 25, 2023

Joseph (Chief) Kopcza, JR, 80, of Wyoming passed away Tuesday April 25, 2023, at his home.

Born in Kingston, he was the son of the late Joseph (Sheriff) and Anna (Leginus) Kopcza. He was a graduate of St. John the Evangelist High School class of 1960. After high school he enlisted into the United States Air Force. Shortly after returning from serving his country, he met the love of his life and future wife the former Catherine Ebert formerly of North End Wilkes-Barre. In 1968 they welcomed the first of their 3 children Joe, Anthony and then Cathy. For many years he was employed through the Carpenters Union at the Berwick Power Plant. At the completion of the power plant, he moved to the Tobyhanna Army Depot and later transferred to the United States Post Office in Pittston where he was a letter carrier for many years before moving inside to maintenance. He was a devoted catholic and member of St. Monica’s Parish of West Wyoming. Joe was a life member of the Wyoming Hose Co. No.1 were for many years served as department and borough fire chief and held many other offices along the way. He loved his football attending WA high school football games on Friday night and rooting for the Nittany lions on Saturday. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, supporting them in any sport they played. Joe loved going out to restaurants and enjoying a great meal and maybe getting some dancing in with his wife Cathy and friends.

Preceding him in death besides his parents was a sister Virginia Ann Russell who passed away December 6, 2022.

Surviving is his wife of 57 years the former Catherine Ebert; children; Joseph A.Kopcza III (Karen), Wyoming; Anthony Kopcza (Mindy) Hamlin; Cathy Paukovitz (Dave) Fort Mill, SC; grandchildren; Joshua, Seth and Alyssa Kopcza, Jake and Melinda Kopcza, Lindsay, Samuel and Benjamin Paukovitz; sister; Elaine Weaver (John) Lakeridge, VA; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held Monday May 1, 2023, at 9:30am from the Metcalfe Shaver Kopcza Funeral Home Inc 504 Wyoming Avenue Wyoming with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Monica’s Parish 363 West 8th Street West Wyoming with Father Peter Tomczak, celebrant.

Interment will be in the Wyoming Cemetery.

Friends may call Sunday April 30, 2023, 4-7Pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Wyoming Hose Co. No. #1 277 Wyoming Avenue Wyoming.

For more information or to send condolences please visit us at www.metcalfeshaver.com