Joseph “Joe” Kopec, Jr.
Joseph “Joe” Kopec, Jr., age 76, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 1, 2022.
Born in Wilmington, DE in 1945, Joe graduated from Gunning Bedford High School where he was an outstanding athlete who excelled in basketball and football, winning numerous awards.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy where he proudly served on the USS Ranger CVA-61 during the Vietnam War. From 1968 – 1969, he served at the U. S. Naval Combat and Logistics Base at Cat Lo, South Vietnam.
Upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he married the love of his life, June and began his career with Delmarva Power. Joe retired from Delmarva Power after 27 years of dedicated service. He loved spending time and traveling with his family and close friends. He was also an avid sports and music fan. Joe was very proud of his military service.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Charles and Julia Fritz; brothers-in-law, Charles and Gerald Fritz; and niece, Carrie Pepper. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, June (Fritz) Kopec; children, Julie Wierzbicki (Dan) and Joseph Kopec, III (Carly); grandchildren, Colin, Amelia, Chloe, Noah, and Gracie; and a niece and nephews.
All services will be held privately.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or online by clicking here.
Chuck Fritz
Uncle Joey was a great man, loving husband awesome father, proud patriot and mentor to all. He will be missed dearly and I pray that I can be half the man that he was.
Love and miss you dearly
Jeff & Adrienne O’Connor
Joe…you were one in a million. It was an honor to know you. We always admired your deep love and dedication to your dear Bride June and children Joe & Julie. We sure will miss you but will love you always!!! Love Jeff and Adrienne
Phil and Lynn Spear
Joe…..you will always be in our hearts. We’re so glad you became our daughters father-in-law and that we all became family. We will miss you very much. Always remember we love you! Phil and Lynn
Robin Crossland
Joe, we are so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Paul and Robin Crossland
Keith Truitt
Mrs. Kopec, Julie and Joe, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Kopec’s passing. I often think about my childhood and how lucky I was to grow up where and when I did and a big part of that was the community and my other “parents” in the neighborhood. I cannot tell you enough how BIG Mr. Kopec was in making an impact on my life as one of those very parents outside of my home. So many memories…so much so, I have told stories to my wife and my 3 kids of your Husband/Dad (plus stories about each of you). My sincere condolences and sending each of you virtual HUGS. Keith
Karen And Bonner Gilbert
My husband, Bonner (Gil) and I have been friends, neighbors, and family for over 50 years. We loved Joe dearly. He will be missed. Our deepest condolences to June, Julie, Joe Jr. and their families, especially Amelia, their granddaughter. Amelia made Joe smile just talking about her. God Bless!🙏
Bob Fad St
Sorry for your loss to all the Kopec family. Joe was a very nice man and a joy to talk with whenever I saw him. May he rest in peace
Andrew Carlson
Had the honor of growing up next door to Mr. Joe. He was always there to talk to. Taught me some basketball and how to drive a stick shift and many more life lessons. Appreciated the many years I got to know him. My condolences to the whole family for the loss of a great man.
Greg Callaway
This man was my first boss at Delmarva Power and Light Company on 2/14/1985. Good ole Joe passed away one day after I retired after 37 years of service .
You will be missed Mr. Korpec. May you find peace in the loving arms of our Creator Father.
So no goodbye my old friend , just see ya later .
Signed your old subordinate and friend
Callahoo.
Peggy .pierce
Joe you are going to be really missed. We have been friends and bighorn for over 50 years. We have had alot of laughs together. I remember June and I going out in the car and you ran into your back yard through the bushes as we passed by and I will leave it there!!! You took pride in your lawn and hated dandelions. One evening while you were out I ran over and put picked dandelions from your neighbors yard and stuck them in your bushes. June said when you seen them you said June they are growing in my bushes. You, Bobby, June and I had great times at Dover Downs. I would be winning alot of money on a machine and you would say my turn now on that machine and you lost all your money playing it.After Bobby passed away you were there when i needed a man’s advice. I will never forget thses memories. Prayer go out to the family June, Joey and Julie. Love you all.
Marie Bowers
I was so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was an awesome man. I’m sure you guys made a lot of great memories together. Keep them close to your heart to help you get through this difficult time. W