Tappan, NY

George L. Kopac passed away peacefully at his home on March 10, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

George was born on May 12, 1933 in Piermont, NY to Peter and Josephina Kopac of Slovakia. As a child in a family of eleven children, George quickly learned the values of hard work and sharing. He attended local schools and worked part time as a caddy at the Rockland Country Club. It was here that George discovered his life-long passion for golf. During high school, George worked at the 9W Golf Driving Range in Palisades, NY where he dreamed of one day owning the business. In 1950, George answered the call of duty and entered the United States Navy. He served aboard the U.S.S. Columbus CA74 until 1954. Upon his return to civilian life, George married his high school sweetheart, Gertrude Piroso, started a family
and built his dream home in Tappan, NY.

Although George worked for Orange and Rockland Utilities, he never lost sight of his dreams and continued to work part time at the 9W Golf Driving Range. Through hard work and personal sacrifice, George accomplished his dream of becoming the owner of the range in 1967. Throughout his life, George played an active role in the local community. Through generous donations, he supported various organizations as well as local schools and churches.

George was a proud a father of five, however his pride and joy were his
grandchildren and great grandchildren. Despite all of his success, George never lost sight of his humble beginnings. If you were to ask anyone who knew him, they would all agree that he was the most kind, generous and selfless man they ever knew. He always put the needs of family, friends and community before his own. Ralph Waldo Emerson's quotation truly sums up George Kopac, the man:

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the
affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success. "

George is survived by the love of his life, his wife Gertrude, his cherished children Wendy (James) Stewart, Kathyanne (Edward) Cook, George (Sandra) Kopac, Michael (Lisa) Kopac and Dianne Kopac (Gabriel Patzuk), his adored grandchildren Kristen (Doug), Joseph (Andrea), Melissa (Mark), Matthew (Angela), James (Alysha), Kelly (Garrick), George, Edward (Dayna), Lauren, Katie, Alexandra and Thomas, his precious great grandchildren, Jane Clare, George, Evangeline and baby boy due in March.

He is also survived by his beloved sister Florence (Joseph) D'Auria and his beloved nieces and nephews Jodi (Matthew) Ancin, Vincent (Rhonda)
D'Auria, Cynthia (William) Schaefer, Joseph (Sheila) D'Auria, Kim D'Auria, Peter (Dinorah) D'Auria and their children.

George is predeceased by his dear parents Peter F. Sr. and Josephina Kopac, his brothers John, Peter Jr., Joseph, Stephen, William and Thomas and his sisters Pauline, Anne and Jeanne. Also, his in-laws, Joseph and Rosaria Piroso and Andrew and Mary Piroso.

Visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in
Piermont, NY on March 19, 2022. Visitation will be at 11am - 12pm with Mass to follow. Those who wish to make a donation in George's memory can do so to St. Jude Children's Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Saint Thomas Aquinas College (www.stac.edu).