George Kopchick, 91, of Stratford, passed away on September 3 at Bethel Health Care Center

George Kopchick was a World War II veteran who passed away on September 3 at Bethel Health Care Center in Stratford. Born in Granville, N.Y. and a lifelong area resident, he served his country honorably during this conflict.

He is survived by his loving son, Robert Kopchik; beloved granddaughter Amy Kopchik of Newtown; sister Helen Belush of Southbury; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Early Life and Education

George Kopchick was born in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to coal miners – both his father and grandfather.

He attended Indiana High School, where he earned a varsity letter in baseball and was inducted into the national honor society. Additionally, he enjoyed playing trumpet for both school band and orchestra performances.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and a master’s in science from the University of Texas, MD Anderson Hospital in Houston. Afterwards, he finished his doctorate at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he is an associate professor of pharmacology and director of the Growth Hormone Research Center. With over 300 scientific articles published and 17 patents to his name – including one for treating acromegaly – he holds numerous other academic appointments including serving on editorial boards for Endocrinology, Molecular Endocrinology and GH&IGF-1 Research

Professional Career

George Kopchik, 91, formerly of Stratford, passed away September 3 at Bethel Health Care Center. He was born in Granville, New York to John and Susan Kopchik and had lived here his whole life. A WW II veteran serving in the Philippines, George was employed by Tomlinson Hawley & Patterson Construction Company before joining Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church of St John the Baptist and VFW Post 9460-Stratford as a member.

Robert Kopchik and Rosemary are survived by his loving son Robert Kopchik and wife Rosemary; his beloved grandchildren Robert Kopchik, Kristin, and Amy; a great-granddaughter Mackenzie; sister Helen Belush; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church in Stratford.

Achievements and Honors

George Kopchick was a proud World War II veteran of the U.S. Army who served in the Philippines. Born in Granville, New York and a lifelong resident, he had been employed by Tomlinson Hawley and Patterson Construction Company prior to becoming a member of Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church of St John the Baptist and VFW Post 9460-Stratford.

On November 7, the John J. Kopchick Molecular and Cellular Biology/Translational Biomedical Sciences Undergraduate Student Support Fund presented six undergraduate students with scholarships as part of their retreat and Kopchick Awards Ceremony. This fellowship is awarded to outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional character, extracurricular leadership, research excellence and scholarly merit.

Personal Life

George Kopchick was an admired leader who dedicated his life to serving others. A speech pathologist by profession, he also had a background in nursing and social work – culminating with his tenure as superintendent at Pennhurst Hospital.

He loved sports and played golf and tennis. A member of both the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church of St John the Baptist and VFW Post 9460-Stratford, his hobbies were playing golf and tennis.

He was a World War II veteran who served in the Philippines. Born in Granville, NY to John and Susan Kopchik, he had lived here his whole life. A former employee of Tomlinson, Hawley and Patterson Construction Company, Robert passed away as a widower and is survived by his son Robert as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.