Edward Joseph Kopec
Edenborn
Edward Joseph Kopec, Sr., 98, a lifelong resident of Edenborn, peacefully passed away in his home Wednesday, April 8, 2026. He was born April 13, 1927 in House #1, Edenborn, to Vincent John and Amelia Metro Kopec.
In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Elek Kopec; infant son, John Kopec; sons, Edward Joseph Kopec, Jr., Regis Alan Kopec; daughter-in-law, Debra Jean Kopec; granddaughter, Ashley Marie Kopec; four brothers, Jacob Kopec (Stella), Louis Kopec (Alfreda), Anthony Kopec (Rose), Vincent Kopec Jr.; two sisters, Sophia Bizik (Paul), Agnes Lubowicki (Stanley); brother-in-law, Joseph Manches.
Edward is survived by his children, Paula Williams (Jack), Vincent Kopec (Patricia), Mark Kopec, and Anita Kopec- Mullins; grandchildren, John (Samantha), Sarah (Travis), Cameron (Kirsten), Sean, Alex (Jade), Luke (McKayla), Kathrina, Alan, Denver, Levi; great-grandchildren, Crosby, Arthur, Isabelle, James; Kathy Bock and Lesbia (Mary) Sugasti; loving sister, Louise Manchas; in-laws, Frank and Susan Elek, Susan Elek-Ozanich, Ronald Elek.
Edward was affectionally known as AU in his community and lovingly referred to as Pap by his children and PapPap by his grandchildren.
AU was a 1945 graduate of German Township High School, McClellandtown. He played in the marching band and lettered in basketball.
In the spring of 1945, AU enlisted in the Navy Reserve to serve his country as a Yoman 3rd Class on the USS Leedstown.
He was employed by U.S. Steel, Robena Complex until his retirement in December 1983, when the mine was permanently closed. He told the story of being the last foreman to exit the mine by elevator with hometown friend and electrician Patsy Pasqua.
Pap was also a lifelong parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Footedale (formerly St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church).
He was a member of the Catholic War Veterans, Uniontown; American Legion Post 423; VFW; Knights of Columbus, Masontown; a social member of the Edenborn Volunteer Fire Department; and the Messmore Rod & Gun Club.
Pap looked forward to the Polish Day Picnics at Kennywood Park and Idlewild Park, in his younger years. He was a master at newspaper crossword puzzles, and missing vowel search word.
Polish by heritage, in his younger years, he enjoyed attending many, many polka dances in the area and dancing with anyone who he would get out on the dance floor. He was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, Penguins, and Pitt football fan and spectator. He proudly coached Little League and VFW Teener League baseball in Masontown, and diligently served on his high school reunions committee.
Pap was a very traditional man of his time. He visited the local nursing/care homes of those whom he knew and enjoyed telling jokes to whoever would listen and bringing joy and laughter to them all. He also visited hospitals and funeral homes showing respect to so, so many family and friends.
Pap will be greatly missed by his surviving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and by numerous nieces and nephews, who all adored, enjoyed, and respected him, referring to him as their “favorite uncle”, along with several Edenborn patch, community friends, and former co-workers.
Mr. Kopec’s family would like to thank all OSPTA Home Health nurses, and physical and occupational therapists. Also, a very special thank you to Amedisys Hospice during the last three weeks of his life: Melissa, Jackie, Wendell, Desiree, McKayla and Vickie. Daughter, Anita and full-time caregiver, expresses her humble gratitude to Kellie, Amedisys Aide, who was present during his passing: “You were an angle sent from above when the Lord called Edward Joseph, my dad, to his heavenly home.”
Edward’s family will receive friends in the KISH-FABRY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 19 Legion Street, Republic, Sunday, April 12, from 2 to 8 p.m., and Monday, April 13 (Ed’s 99th birthday) until 9:15 a.m., when Prayers of Transfer will be held followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church (Footedale Worship site). Interment will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, Footedale, where military honors will be accorded by The Masontown American Legion Post 423 and VFW.
The Edenborn Volunteer Fire Department will conduct services Sunday evening at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers Edward has requested donations be made to either St. Francis of Assisi Parish Cemetery Fund – St. Thomas Cemetery, 101 W. Church Avenue, Masontown, PA 15461, or American Legion Post 423, 1973 McClellandtown Road, Masontown, PA 15461.
Condolences are welcome at kish-fabry.com