Michael J. Kopanic Sr.

Michael J. Kopanic, Sr.  96

YOUNGSTOWN – A Holy Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wed, May 6 at 10 am  at St. Edward Catholic Church for  Michael J. Kopanic, Sr., who died on Sat, May 2, at his residence, surrounded by his family.Michael was born September 15, 1918 in Youngstown, Ohio, to the late Anthony A. and Julia V. (Kovalchik) Kopanic, both of whom emigrated from Harichovce, Spiš County, Slovakia .Before retirement, Michael was employed by General Fireproofing, and also did construction and roofing work.During the Great Depression, he spent a year in Idaho working for the Civilian Conservation Corps.  In World War II, he drove a truck for the 39th Combat Engineers and participated in the military campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy.  He was very proud of his military service and subsequently attended a number of war veteran reunions.He was a longtime parishioner of St. Edward Church, where he had served as an usher and a Eucharistic Minister.  Michael also volunteered at the Veterans Administration Clinic and was a lifelong member of the National Slovak Society.His wife, Ann (Susa) Kopanic, emigrated from Richnava, Slovakia. They married at Holy Name of Jesus Church on June 24, 1942.  She passed away on April 22, 2000. All Michael's siblings are deceased: Mary Malley, Anthony Kopanic, Ann Dechant, Helen Martin, Paul Kopanic, and Nellie Kopanic.He is survived by his children: Robert (Cathy) Kopanic, Bernadine (Joseph) Poltis, Dr. Michael (Rebecca) Kopanic, Jr., James (Sonia Niro) Kopanic, 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren & his faithful dog Gerty.Friends may call on Tues, May 5 from 4 pm to 8  pm. at Schiavone Funeral Home, 1842 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, 44504 and also on Wed, May 6 at 9 am at St. Edward Catholic Church, 240 Tod Lane, Youngstown 44504.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Edward Catholic Church.A Catholic burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery following the mass.