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Martin Kopchik Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
KOPCHIK, Fr. Martin John, msfs Rev. Fr. Martin John Kopchik, msfs, Rev. Fr. Martin John Kopchik, msfs, (Fr. Marty) aged 61 years, passed in to eternal life on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Villa Luyet, the residence of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, on 3474 Pate Dr., Snellville, GA. Funeral mass will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 7171 Glenridge Dr. NE, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, GA on Friday, November 12, at 11:30 A.M., Most Rev. Dr. Luis R. Zarama, JCL, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta presiding over the celebration and Fr. Gus Tharappel msfs, Regional Superior, Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, Msfs USA Region, concelebrating. The Regional Superior will officiate Committal Services by the graveside, in Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt. Vernon Rd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30328, immediately following the funeral mass. Fr. Marty will lay in state in St. Jude the Apostle Church for visitation from 10:30 A.M., till the commencement of the funeral liturgy. There will be visitation at St. Lawrence Church, 319 Grayson HWY, Lawrenceville, GA 30045 on Thursday, November 11, from 6:00 pm. to 9:00 pm. Visitation will conclude with Evening Prayer and Rosary prayed for Fr. Marty. Confreres, family members and friends will have a time of quiet visitation at Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Rd., Lawrenceville, GA 30046, on Wednesday, November 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. Fr. Martin J. Kopchik was born on February 16, 1949 in Gary, IN, USA as the third son of late Basil Kopchik and surviving mother Josephine Marie Kopchik. He was baptized on March 17, 1949, in St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, Gary, IN. After his college studies, while he worked for Simmons Mattress in Norcross as an accountant, he was deeply involved with the charitable aactivities of St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Patrick Church, Norcross, Atlanta. Inspired by their service, Marty discerned his vocation to be a religious and a priest in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales. He joined the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) who were ministering at St. Patrick and made his first Religious Profession on August 15, in England. After his philosophical and theological studies he was ordained a Priest on May 19, 1986, at St. Lawrence Church, Lawrenceville, GA. He holds a BA in Philosophy and an MA in Theology and took a degree in Sacred Scripture at the Catholic University of America. Fr. Marty worked as Associate Pastor at St. Patrick's Church, Norcross, and St. Lawrence Church, Lawrenceville, Atlanta, GA. Later he was pastor at both these parishes. Fr. Kopchik was Superior of the American Mission of the Msfs for 12 years with offices at Villa Luyet in Lawrenceville, and in Loganville, GA. He served as Vocation Promoter, Director of formation and Superior of the local community at Villa Luyet when the American Mission was raised to the status of a Region in the Congregation. He was also Director of the Fransalian Center for Spirituality in Loganville, GA, and later in Snellville, GA., while he also served St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Sandy Springs, GA. Fr. Marty held all these charges with utmost dedication and remained ever faithful to his responsibilities till the last moment of his life. He has offered many classes in spirituality, conducted many retreats and guided many on their spiritual journey. Fr. Marty relished the contemplative way of life and guided many to contemplation in the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales. "Look to God that you may be radiant with joy" (Ps.34:6) sums up Fr. Marty. He was a very cheerful, humble, simple, generous, prayerful and faith-filled person. We thank our heavenly father for giving us Fr. Martin John Kopchik as a great gift to all of us, to our Religious family and to the Church. We will miss his presence with us. May he rest in peace and enjoy the fullness of life and joy that Jesus promised to all who follow him faithfully. Fr. Marty is survived by his beloved mother Josephine Marie Kopchik and, Sister, Stephanie Kopchik of Crown Point, IN, Brothers Charles (Sandra) Kopchik of Pfafftown, N.C., Michael (Augustina) Kopchik of Copperas Cove, TX, John Charles Kopchik of Minneapolis MN, niece Michele Kopchik of Austin, TX, nephew Christopher (Debra) Kopchik of High Point, NC, and grand nephew Thomas. Memorial masses and offerings may be made to the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, Villa Luyet, 3474 Pate Dr., Snellville GA. 30078-5000 Fr. Augustine Tharappel, msfs Regional Superior Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales, USA Region Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Homes, Lawrenceville Chapel 770-962-3100. Please sign the on-line guest book www.stewartfh.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Martin Kopchik
Robert Zopf
November 3, 2022
Fr. Marty was a very wise and spiritual man of God. Hrlpve seeing the Star Ear movies with our son and often they could be seen at breakfast after one showing. My wife and I have a photo of Fr. Marty on our nightstand reminding us of how much he affected our lives. God bless him.
Roger Schaetzel
November 3, 2022
I made a comment many years ago, but it was incorrect. I went to school with Marty's brother. I met Marty a few times, but I never really knew him that well. God bless him and the Kopchik family.
Jenny DeLara
January 14, 2011
Father Marty, we love and miss you. You baptized both our daughters, and Nina loved your visits at the pre-k classes.
Peace be with you in heaven, much love,
The DeLara Family.
Kathleen (Voris) Barker
December 10, 2010
I just read the article in todays Time's Newspaper. Fr.Marty was in my grade school class at S. Michael's . He was very nice and always smiling. I'm very sorry for the family and the many people's lives that he touched. He sounded like a wonderful and spiritual man.
Matt Barrett
November 27, 2010
Frather Marty was a Spirit-filled man, an emample for all of us, and I am thankful for his years of service at St. Lawrence. I will keep his family and the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales in my prayers.
Joe & Barb Guzik
November 21, 2010
My wife Barb and I were really stunned to hear about Fr. Marty's death. Fr. Marty was the best man at our wedding. I have memories when we lived together in a duplex and got our first motorcycles. Barb and I always remembered Fr. marty as a kind and warm person. We kept in contact over the internet but we really would have liked to have visited him in Georgia. I have very fond memories of Fr. Marty and I after we graduated from high school. We both worked in the Gary Steel mills together on the same shifts. Boy I could really tell you stories. Fr. Marty keep watch over Barb and I and put in a good word to the Man for us. With all our love. Barb & Joe.
Stephen Bires
November 19, 2010
Fr. Marty, you were really nice guy in high school. I wish you could have attended our reunion last year. I'm glad to have spoke to you about it and although you couldn't have been there at least I could send you some of the pictures. I know you're in God's arms and hope I see you again.
Eloisa Seoane
November 17, 2010
Father Marty was a great friend and an excellent priest. He was kind, loving and humble. I was lucky to take some classes with him at St. Jude Catholic Church. His love for God was always there and he enjoyed to share his knowledge to enable us to get closer to God. He was always asking about our children and especially about our grandchildren.
I will miss him very much but now he is my angel in heaven.
I love you Fr. Marty
Eloisa E Seoane
Sandy Springs, Ga
St Jude Catholic Church
John Kaps
November 13, 2010
Among the many wonderful comments made
about Father Marty, it should be noted
that he was a excellent singer/Chanter of prayers during Mass/Benediction and other Liturgies.
Karen Jordan-Allen
November 12, 2010
"Father Marty was so much a part of my children's lives, my life and my families lives. He baptized two of my children. Three of my children made their First Communion with him. He did the Memorial of Lillie. He touched our lives in so many ways. We loved him dearly."
Roger Schaetzel
November 12, 2010
Mrs. Kochik,
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family. I went to school with your son John, but I did know Marty. He dedicated his life to God and now he is with him. He is where we all want to be someday.
Larry & Theresa Stengel
November 12, 2010
We will always remember Fr. Marty. Our first pastor at St. Lawrence church and the holy priest who gave our youngest daughter, Angela, her 1st Holy Communion. Enjoy the warm bosom of our Heavenly Father for all eternity.
Bill&Laura Johnson
November 12, 2010
Dear Marty, from years at St. Patrick, and many dialogue's shared through Marriage Encounter we came to know how deeply your love of family and expanded family of the Parish ran. You gave comfort to many people during you time with us. I pray those works of love are now carrying you to God's side.
James Finocchio
November 12, 2010
Father Marty, Father Marty. You were more than a priest as many have already said. You were a friend. I remember going to movies with you--normally a fun movie. You were so childlike in your Faith and Love of the Creator. You were one of the most influential people in my life, and helped me through tough times with love and compassion that only can come from the Divine. I regret our schedules having not coincided in such a way that you could meet my daughter, but I know your spirit kind of stopped by on the way Home...I will miss you always. Tell Fr. Ken hi for me. I know you'll both be keeping an eye on me and my family. We will miss you, and think of you forever with love and joy.
Debra & Pat Thiele
November 11, 2010
Dear Fr. Marty, you baptized our daughter. You were always such a kind priest towards us. You will be missed. Debra & Pat Thiele
MSFS Hampton Hill
November 11, 2010
To our Confrères and Fr Marty's family,
Be assured of of our prayerful condolences.
A special remembrance of Fr Marty will be made at Mass in Hampton Hill on Friday.
Your Confrères in Hampton Hill, London, England.
Roland & Diane Gaasch
November 11, 2010
A sad loss of a good man and a great priest. Many fond memories of Marty's early day affiliation with St. Patrick's, Fr. Ken Bayer, and Fr. John Devore..... May he rest in peace.
donna roderigas
November 11, 2010
father marty was our pastor at st larrys when w joined in 1986 we loved him he was a great pastor full of love for the lord may he rest in peace
the Roderigas family
Lisa Cleary
November 11, 2010
I was priviledged to work with Fr. Marty for a short time at St. Jude the Apostle. He was so kind, pleasant and fun to work with. My girls were lucky to be in school at St. Jude and enjoyed his school Masses. Fr. Marty rest in peace.
Karen Whitman
November 11, 2010
Father Marty was a very special soul. His light and cheerful demeanor, that warm smile, will truly be missed. As we mourn his loss here on this earth, take comfort in knowing he is in the arms of our God and singing with the angels in Heaven.
Chris Pritts
November 11, 2010
I was in Godspell with Fr. Marty. He was so cute. He knew the cast was supposed to be clowns, (not in a literal sense). Fr. Marty didn't quite get that and came to the show dressed in full clown makeup and costume, then sang a moving, heartfelt tribute to God. He executed the Spirit in everything he did. You'll be missed Fr. Marty!!
Allison Jacques
November 11, 2010
Father Marty, you have blessed us with the sacrament of marriage, baptized our son and blessed our first home. We will always think of you throughout those special moments in our lives. You will be greatly missed. The Jacques Family
Gae De Angelo
November 11, 2010
Father Marty was a part of many years of my family at St. Patricks. Always happy, always upbeat. The best memory I have of Father Marty is following a softball game with the high school boys in the interchurch league. We actually won a trophy! He was so happy! Rest in peace. The DeAngelo family.
Dagenhard Family
November 11, 2010
Fr. Marty shared many gifts with us over the 20 years we were blessed to know him. He laughed with us, cried with us, consoled us and was a part of our family in a significant and holy way. We are proud to call him our friend. Thank you Dear Friend. In the words of St. Francis de Sales "Friendships begun in this world will be taken up again, never to be broken off."
Tom, Colleen, Carrie, Kathleen and Ned and Sally (Patty's 'puppy')Dagenhard
Chris Roderigas
November 11, 2010
Father Marty,
I was only 3 years old when I met you and had the most kindest heart and I was always excited to see you after Mass. I know that God has welcomed you in open arms and I pray that you become my new guardian angel. Rest in Peace
Julie Bugg
November 11, 2010
Thank you Lord for Father Marty. He was a great blessing for so many people. Thank you, Father Marty. You were there for me and my dad at his funeral. You blessed him, even though he was not catholic, you welcomed him. You were there for us, and have been there to help and welcome so many people in this world. We will ...miss you, but now heaven opens to welcome you. Please will you pray for me, Father Marty, and for all of us? Through Jesus our Lord..Tony & Julie Bugg and family .
Shelley Rebstock-Heard
November 10, 2010
Thank you very much Father Marty for the friendship and love you have shown me and my family over the years. My prayers are with you as you are laid to rest. I will cherish my memories of you and your kind soul forever.
November 10, 2010
Fathr Marty we have so many wonderful memories you will be missed. Thank you for being such a wonderful and Godly person. May you rest in peace. The Vazquez family.
Juanita Altschuler
November 10, 2010
Father Marty, Thank you for being such a beautiful, loving, kind person. Your quiet spirituality, your singing and your gentleness will never be forgotten.
My condolences to your family, to Father John and to your fellow priests.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
Love,
Bob MacDonald
November 10, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Diane
November 10, 2010
Indeed, Father Marty was always RADIANT WITH JOY. Father Marty was my Spiritual Advisor and his presence, good spirit and shared knowledge will remain with me forever. Memory Eternal!
Tom & Arlene Wilson
November 10, 2010
Our condolences to the Kopchik family and Fr. John DeVore. Our memories of Fr. Marty at St. Lawrence run so deep and we thank God for his friendship. He was a quiet faith-filled man of God who touched the heart and soul of all he met. His work here is done and now he joins with Fr. Ken in a Heaven filled with God's love. HUGS
Elisa Ghisellini
November 10, 2010
My Condolences to the Kopchik Family.
I "know" Father Marty through the loving memories of his Brother John Charles. He was a great man, loved and admired.
Sincerely,
Elisa Ghisellini
Millie & Bob Zopf
November 10, 2010
Fr Marty was more than a priest or spiritual advisor, he was a friend and brother. My wife worked for him at St Patricks in Norcross and we developed a lasting friendship. He officiated at our 25th wedding vow renewal Mass and he officiated over the marriage of our two sons to their wives, He also baptized two of our grandchildren. When it came time to see a late night showing of a Stars War movie he would call up my eldest son, Bobby, and the two of them would go to the movies together and then out to breakfast. My wife, Millie, and I would have lunch or dinner with Fr Marty from time to time during the year and we would visit him at the Villa. He very much enjoyed his lunches at the Olive Garden. Fr Marty loved to talk baseball.
Bob & Millie Zopf and family
Mary Boyd
November 9, 2010
Father Marty, you were such a big part of our lives. You will be deeply missed. Give Father Ken our love. We still him too. The Boyd Family
Sharon Topping
November 9, 2010
Father Marty,
What a treasure you were to me in the short time that I knew you on this earth!! And I thank you for your love and guidance. I will miss you - But I do truely still feel your presence.
Peace to Father Marty, his family and all who have loved him.
Ken Kaplan
November 9, 2010
We love you Father Marty and will deeply miss you!!! God Bless you forever. You were the kindest, sweetest man we knew.
Jessica Deresch
November 9, 2010
Our family new Father Marty at St. Patrick's as well as St Lawrence, we were sad to hear the news of his passing. He was such a loving, spiritual person that will now live in our hearts and be our guardian angel. God Bless you Father Marty and God Bless all of your family and friends that loved you dearly. The Deresch Family
Nik, Laura, Rob & Ryan Burdett
November 9, 2010
You touched the lives of so many in ways that people will never know. Thank you for giving of yourself unselfishly and for blessing us with your joy and peace. You will be missed.
November 9, 2010
Our prayers are with the family of Father Marty. James and Kathleen Hummel
Leah Loper
November 9, 2010
Fr. Marty, You were such a loving spiritual man. You were a blessing to all that knew you. You always gave everything you had. You will be missed. Leah Loper
November 9, 2010
You were such an important part of our familys spirituality... Baptized four of our grandkids.. First Communion with five of them and the funeral mass for my dad ,, my husbands mother, our little grandaughter Tiffanie and our infant grandaughter Lily... Not sure how we would have handled these deaths without your spiritual guidance... Father we love you and you will be truely missed... Sue and Larry Jordan
Debbie Marano
November 9, 2010
You were definitely an important part of
our lives at St. Lawrence. We will miss
you.
Love, The Marano Family
Cindy Bayer
November 9, 2010
Dearest biolgical as well as spritual families of Fr. Marty,
How incredibly heartbroken I am to hear of his death. Marty always radiated JOY on such a fantastic scale! It was as if his soul saw something that no one else could see, and yet, he somehow managed to mimimize himself so as to allow this love to shine brightly for the good of all those around him.
Of course on the selfish side I must say I am glad that my brother, Father Ken Bayer, will now have someone so wonderful with whom to share God's heaven!
I have a piece on my desk that reads, "don't regret growing older, it is a privilege denied to many." Fr. Marty is one of those whom I am sure we all would have liked to have been able to share for a bit longer.
Peace I leave, with you my friends....
John & Donna Parillo
November 9, 2010
Fr Marty, we are missing you already.
November 9, 2010
To the Kopchik Family:
I knew Fr. Marty when he was simply "Marty", a parishoner at St. Patrick's. He was a leader in the parish charismatic community, sharing his charism of joy with everyone. Whenever I hear certain hymns that are sung in prayer groups, Marty's happy face comes to mind. He was a great blessing to a young parish. When he talked to me about becoming a priest, I had no hesitation about assuring him that he had the needed qualities.
I'm sad that I can't make it to the funeral as I am taking care of a parish for a priest who is away.
May Marty's soul rest in peace and joy.
Fr. Joseph Meehan, Jacksonville, FL.
Patty Cincotta
November 9, 2010
I remember Fr. Marty in clown make up singing "All good gifts" when he was in Godspell at St. Lawrence. It was so moving. I have seen this play a few times since, but no one could sing that song like Fr. Marty. What dear, sweet man.
Carol McWhorter
November 9, 2010
So many memories to count. To all the other priest with the Missionaries of St. Francis deSales and the family he was one special man. Hugs are sent your way. Peace be with all of you. McWhorters.
Zulaine Govin
November 9, 2010
Father Marty lifted Me up with every word he spoke. He was loving and a Huge part of my family. Heaven is a Better place now with you there. We will all miss you so much <3 Love Zulaine and Terry.
Michelle Strange Bernard
November 9, 2010
St. Francis DeSales said "Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset."
Fr. Marty, this quote is so appropriate when we think of you. We are very saddened by our loss, but we are at peace because we know you will be well rewarded for your earthly efforts. Thank you for the many blessings and prayers you have given to our family. We will miss you.
Much Love through Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Michelle Strange Bernard (Jacques)
Jeannie Strange Watson (Judson) Carrie Grace
Donald Strange Jr. (Nikki) Donnie III
Angela Strange Wilson (Chris) Nicholas and Jacob
Paul Hartl
November 9, 2010
Our world was made better because of Father Marty. You will be missed.
Paul & Shirley Hartl (Monroe, Ga,)
November 9, 2010
To the Kopchik family - Fr. Marty was an amazing servant of God. His example of living a holy, committed life influenced me for the many years I knew him, and especially the years we worked together at St. Lawrence. He is now at peace in the presence of God.
Susan McGhee (Memphis, TN)
Susan Proctor
November 9, 2010
Father Marty was an inspiration to all who knew him. He helped my son more then any other. Thank You Father Marty we will all miss you!
Susan
November 9, 2010
Father Marty, To such a saintly man of God. I thank God for you and know that the angels welcome your with open arms and joyful song. You will be missed my friend!! God bless your family and the priest of St. Francis DeSalles. Love and peace, Frances and Brad Kummer, Washington, DC
Debbie Majors
November 9, 2010
Father Marty, may you rest in peace with our Heavenly Father. To your family we send our condolences. Love, Debbie and Tom Majors and Family
Marcela Marchesini-Kapfer
November 9, 2010
Father Marty,
You were my childhood priest at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Norcross, Ga. You came to all of our Life Teen retreats and shared your time with us. You were undoublty a big inspiration in my life and of others in my class. You will be missed.
Julie Ephgrave
November 9, 2010
Father Marty,
Our family was so blessed to have known you and for a time had you as a part of our lives. You were a wonderful priest and beautiful person. Rest in peace. With love, Julie and Tom Ephgrave and Family
Melinda Boyd
November 9, 2010
Father Marty, you were always one of our favorites at St. Patrick's. You will be missed.
November 9, 2010
Father Marty, Well done faithful servant. May you rest in peace. Our loss is Heaven's gain. With love, Neil, Dianne, Reid and Davis Lareau
Tom and Stacey Fannon
November 9, 2010
To the Kopchik family:
It was a shock to hear of Fr. Marty passing away this past weekend.
Fr. Marty was a true inspiration to the St. Jude community and especially to the students. It was a joy to have him celebrate the Eucharist on Friday's at the school.
He did a great job relating to the kids and made it sound so simple. Fr. Marty
truly loved the Lord and he will be missed!
May the perputal light shine upon him and his soul be at peace.
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