CHRIS G. COPETAS Esq.

COPETAS
CHRIS G., Esq.
Passed away peacefully on November 13, 2015. A man of extraordinary talents and abilities, Chris was cherished by his family and countless friends. His generosity and kindness seemed limitless and so much of his energy and time was both directed at helping others and in dedication to the community. He was preceded in death by his father, George Copetas; mother, Bessie; and siblings, George, Jack and Georgia. He is survived by his brother, John Copetas (Joanne); sister, Penny Kachulis (Paul); his nieces and nephews, whom he treated as if they were his own children, (Kathy, Harry, Dani, George, George, Beth and Jim); and eight great-nieces and nephews. A graduate of Peabody High School and the University of Pittsburgh, Chris excelled academically, graduating with honors, and athletically, playing football. He was very proud of his military service in the US Air Force. While stationed in Germany, he was a Security and Police Specialist, an All-Air Force football All Star and combat judo finalist. Honorably discharged as a Major, he also was a longtime Reservist, a member of the W. PA Air Force Reserve Assoc. and the American Legion. He earned his law degree from Duquesne University. He was a past President of that School's Alumni Association and was the first recipient of its Meritorious Service Award. Initially he was in private practice as a partner in the firm of Kachulis, Copetas, Adams and Hillen. For over 25 years, he served as the First Assistant District Attorney for Allegheny County, where he became well known throughout the legal community, supervising for years the Investigative Branch. He was also Vice Chairman of the Urban Redevelopment Authority for 9 years. Later he was counsel with the firms- Lazzaro Law Center and Ciao, Torisky and O'Connor. He also was very proud of his Greek heritage, a lifetime member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and many Hellenic organizations, including the American Hellenic Education Association. His love, wit and sense of humor will be dearly missed by all those who had the good fortune to have him in their lives. Friends will be received at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC., 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) on Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Trisagion Service Wednesday at 7 p.m. Funeral Thursday, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 11:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 419 S. Dithridge St., Pgh., PA 15213.