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Walter Soplata Obituary
He was born Oct. 27, 1923, in Cleveland, to Adolf and Agnes (Dockal) Soplata.
Mr. Soplata was a carpenter working for Spade Builders for 20 years, retiring in 1985.
He was a graduate of General Airmotive in Cleveland and was a certified aircraft mechanic. He was married to Margaret Murray Oct. 2, 1948. A lifelong area resident, Mr. Soplata was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church in Newbury, Carpenters Local 21, and had obtained his private pilot's license after receiving his pilot training at Horn's Flying School in Chagrin Falls. Mr. Soplata enjoyed going to air shows, anything to do with aviation and transportation and going to flea markets and antique car shows.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years; his five children, Rita (Michael) Mitch of Sagamore Hills, Sister Mary Barbara Soplata, SND of Chardon, Margret (William) Soplata of Carrollton, Walter C. (Lisa) Soplata of Collierville, Tenn., and Mary (Daniel) Braford of Claridon; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Charles (Nancy) Kraus Jr. of Willowick and a sister-in-law, Phyliss Soplata of Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, George.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, at St. Helens Catholic Church, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury. The Rev. Jay McPhillips will officiate.
A gathering of friends and family will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Russell Funeral Service, 15670 W. High St. (Route 87), Middlefield. Final resting place will be at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.
Contributions are suggested to St. Helen Catholic Church Building Fund, 12060 Kinsman Road, Newbury, OH 44065.
Online condolences are at russellfuneralservicesusa.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Soplata
Debra Shay (Habits)
November 11, 2010
The last time I saw him, he was laughing and smiling as usual...I guess he knew God would have a special place in mind for him when he was ready. Few of us can say they were happy and blessed in life, but I truly believe he was both. I will miss your stories.
November 11, 2010
Soplata Family,
I never had the pleasure of meeting Walter. My son who attended Kent
told me of his collection airplanes.
Walter was one of those rare individuals who lived their dreams.
Wonderful family, collected his "gems", and must have enjoyed meeting others. He now has met the greatest carpenter of all, Jesus.
May God reward his faith with everlasting peace.
With Sympathy.
Earl Yeager
Westeerville, Ohio
Gary Lewis
November 10, 2010
What a guy. One that had the vision and forethought to accumulate and save parts of our aviation history. I imagine that his family made sacrifices during the period of his "collecting". One mans junk, is another mans treasure, and Walter Soplata had, and left a treasure chest to his family. May Peace and Good Blessings be with the Soplata family.
Kind Regards,
Steve Tournay
November 9, 2010
Goodbye and Godspeed, Walter, from a fellow enthusiast. My two visits long ago with you among the airplanes are among my fondest memories. Wish there had been more folks with your historical foresight.
Thanks so very much...
November 9, 2010
Walter and Margaret, two of the most wonderful and gentle people on this planet. Countless thousands of people will thank Walter, Margaret and their children for their generosity in saving these priceless artifacts for generations to come to enjoy. We will all miss Walter.
Tom Reilly and All of the XP-82 Group
November 9, 2010
Walter and Margaret
Mark Allen
November 8, 2010
It was always a pleasure doing business with Walter at Middlefield Market, and local toy shows. He was an enthusiastic collector and interesting human being.
November 8, 2010
God Speed Mr. Soplata
Tom Rench
Bruce Fensel
November 7, 2010
I will miss listening to all your stories, having lunch with you & spending time with you & all your treasures.
Bruce & Melody Fensel
November 7, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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