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Joe Lopasky Obituary
He was an athletic standout at Lake-Lehman High School, Lehman Township, lettering four years in three sports, football, basketball and baseball. He also achieved the all-scholastic award in several sports at Lake Lehman.
Joe continued his athletic success at the University of Houston, where he played football and baseball.
His athletic career was highlighted with scoring three touchdowns during the first game of his sophomore year against Baylor, as well as scoring four touchdowns in the Tangerine Bowl against Miami of Ohio and was voted MVP of the game.
Joe went on to play semi-pro ball for the Scranton Miners, and was recruited by several NFL teams before his career ended with a knee injury.
After graduating from the University of Houston, he taught and coached football, baseball and golf for Alief Hastings High School. He ended his career as transportation director for the Alief School District.
Joe had a zest for life. He enjoyed singing and strumming his guitar for everyone's enjoyment. After retiring, his favorite pastime was tending to his ranch and his cattle.
Joe Lopasky of Willis, Texas, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011. He crossed the goal line for the last time as God recruited him for heaven's football team.
He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Shirley Lopasky, Willis, Texas; sons, Casey Joseph Lopasky and wife, Cari, Kyle, Texas; and Cody Lawrence Lopasky and wife, Jaime, Katy, Texas; sister, Patricia Brooks and husband, Ronald, Lehman; brothers, Richard Lopasky and wife, Bonny, Spring Hill, Fla.; and Bill Lopasky, Lehman; mother-in-law, Ardell Neelen, Willis, Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Lopasky; and father-in-law, O.L. (Bud) Neelen.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, Katy, Texas.
Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Katy, Texas, with the Rev. John Kha Tran as celebrant.
Interment will be in Katy Magnolia Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Casey Lopasky, Cody Lopasky, Richard Lopasky, Mike Hoover, Ron Brooks and Phil Felton.
Those wishing to make memorial gifts in his name may do so to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 570127, Houston, TX 77257, or to University of Houston Alumni Association, P.O. Box 230345, Houston, TX 77223.
Funeral services for Mr. Lopasky will be conducted under the direction of Schmidt Funeral Home, 1508 East Ave., Katy, TX 77493, 281-391-2424.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Lopasky
Deana Spellicy
September 16, 2020
We miss you Joe.
Dave Davis
September 16, 2020
Miss you Buddy. Miss the visits when we had a tournament in your area. Still in touch with the wife.
Loveya Joseph....
Ken,Kathy & Mr.B Tucker
October 24, 2011
We just found out today about Joe and are so sorry. Ken and I are just devastated. Joe was a super great guy and the best neighbor we have ever had. We miss having you across the street. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers today.
September 28, 2011
Shirley, Cody and family - We just heard about Joe and wanted you to know how very sorry we are for your loss. Joe was such a happy, friendly, dedicated father and role model. We will always carry wonderful memories of Joe - working with him in Alief, seeing him at events throughout the school years with Cody, and at the Katy football games. He always had such a welcoming smile. Joe was a blessing to everyone that had the honor of knowing him. He has left the world a much better place. Take care, Much love - Richard, Donna, and Trey (Richard) Knox
Nancy Kaye
September 28, 2011
It was so sad to hear of Joe's passing. Although we haven't been in touch much the past few years, some friendships always endure. I still speak fondly of those days so many years ago at the baseball field or at team parties at your house. Joe was such a wonderful man and both of you always made everyone feel welcome and like extended family.
I knew Casey had married and just heard that Cody is married as well now. I know the boys and their families will have the most special guardian angel watching over them.
Joe was truly a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys.
Nancy Kaye
Alicia Cabrera
September 27, 2011
Cody,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...
Alicia, (Commonwealth Inst.)
Edward Dobranich
September 27, 2011
My prayers go out to you( Shirley and your family. Joe was a great man, friend to me as you are. I will truly miss him and everyone at the credit union will miss him. love always his buddy- Ed
Deana Spellicy
September 27, 2011
We will really miss Joe here in Alief Transportation. He was a great boss and brought alot of spirit to the office. I know Joe is up there with Ms. Betty, and now they don't have to swap "Bad Knee" stories. My thoughts and prayers are with all your family.
Jim Zbick
September 26, 2011
Joe was starring at Lehman High School when I was just starting grade school but I remember the awe he inspired in mamy of us little guys. He truly was a gifted high school athlete and when he graduated and got to play and star at a big time university at UH, he became an even greater role model who inspired many young Back Mountain athletes. I believe Joe and his brother Bill (West Virginia and draft pick of Sf 49ers) are two of the greatest athletes and coaches of young athletes that Lehman HS and the Wyoming Valley ever produced.
Adam Kaye
September 26, 2011
Shirley, Casey, and Cody,
My deepest sympathies on Joe's passing. Growing up with Casey (and Cody), I have very fond memories of spending time at your house, either in the front yard or garage, where Joe was often to be found. I'm sorry I didn't find out about Joe's passing until yesterday, because I surely would've attended the funeral.
As I told my parents when I called to tell them the news, I've always felt that I had a circle of friends' parents while I was growing up who felt like "other parents" of mine, and Joe was certainly in that circle.
One of my favorite memories was riding in your family's motorhome to see the Katy Tigers play for the state championship in 1994. I always had such great times with your family, and those times will never be forgotten.
Joe was a great man. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on in so many others. May God Bless You in this most difficult time, and always.
Adam Kaye
September 26, 2011
Dear Shirley and family. My love and memories are with you now. We were such a small family at Hastings High School at one time. And it did seem just that, a family. I loved to see Joe come into the office where I worked because he was always laughing. You could not have a bad day around him. I can almost imagine the loss you and his family feel. He was a great person and everyone loved him. He's probably trying to teach the angels "Czech" like he always did me.
Shirley Davis-Jacksonville TX
Dave & Joann Davis
September 24, 2011
Joe,
It was a privlege to be able to call you my friend for all these years; I'm going to miss you.
Shirl and all the family,
Joe was one of the most wonderful people to visit this earth. Everyone he touched will now have a hole in there lives. The entire Lopasky family was well blessed with his presence.
God bless to you all.
Dave & Joann
Dan Schmiech
September 24, 2011
When I heard that Joe had passed away, I felt a real loss. I had regrets that we had lost contact over the last 10 years since I moved away from Texas.
I worked with Joe for over 20 years at Alief ISD. We coached together at Hastings and then kept in contact after Joe moved to the transportation dept. He was the kind of person who everyone loved being around because he was such a positive person. He had a way of picking up everyone's spirits; players and coaches alike. He loved his family and talked about them a lot. I always felt that he and Shirley were the perfect match.
I know how hard this must be on Shirley and the family. Over the last couple of days, I've recalled many wonderful memories of being around Joe. I hope memories like these are able to help the family get through this hard time. Donna and I send our most sincere condolences.
Jarrod Pearson
September 23, 2011
My family moved to Willis back in 2001 and had the pleasure of living next door to Joe and Shirl. Over the years we grew close, so much so that our kids felt that Joe and Shirl were like their Grandparents. Joe would come down and take my son for a spin around the ranch to check on the cows, and seek veterinary advice from my daughters. It always made me smile to see how much he cared for my children.
Joe will be missed dearly by my family. May God bless him and provide comfort to Shirl and the boys.
Rest in peace dear friend.
The Pearson Family
Dave & Joann Davis
September 23, 2011
Joe,
I'm really going to miss your smiling face my friend, you finally made it to the Hall of Fame.
Shirl and all the family; you were blessed to have had one of the most terrific fellows that has ever visited this earth and we were privliged to have known him and called him our friend.
God Bless Shirl and the entire family,
Dave and Jo
Fred Gosart
September 23, 2011
I was saddened to learn of Joe's passing. I remember him as one of the best athletes to come out of the Back Mountain area. Deepest sympathy is extended to the family.
September 23, 2011
The Lopasky family...Shirley, I want to have a Mass said for Joe and would like an address to send notification. I wish I could be at the Mass tomorrow but this weekend is crazy with grandkids. Have such loving memories of both you and Joe. He will be SO missed. If I can help in any way, please let me know. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike Williams
September 23, 2011
Bill, Dick, and All the Lopasky Families, We all lost a friend and a super athlete with Joe's passing. Joe was a gifted football player, one of the Best in Wyoming Valley in the late 50's. Aside from his athletic abilities, Joe was a gentleman and a guy even his opponents admired on the ball fields and basketball court. Keep the Faith and may Joe Rest in Peace.
September 23, 2011
Shirl and the whole Lopasky family - our deepest sympathy to you all, know you will be in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Joe was a wonderful guy and we were so happy to spend some time with him at our class reunion last year. We had lots of laughs remembering our football glory days. What a great guy!
We will always remember "Joe".
Frank and Mary Young, Barnegat, NJ
Jeannie Soukup Klasen
September 23, 2011
Dear Shirl and boys,
Joe was one of the best people I have ever worked for. He made working at Transportation great fun. He was a great guy and will be missed by all. So sorry for your loss.
Carolyn Perkins-Roberts
September 23, 2011
To the family of Joe,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness. I feel blessed that I had some time to talk with him at the class reunion last year. He will always be in my heart and memories of high school and the sports that I loved so much.
Carolyn Perkins Roberts
Albert Niezgoda
September 23, 2011
Joe was a gifted athlete and a very nice person to be around.Igrew up with Joe from first grade on We played little league toghether.He was so strong that he hit many home runs that would break windows out of the school that was deep in center field.At one of the football games against Forty Fort he had a front tooth knocked out,I can still remember him trying find that tooth,never did.He loved the 3 stooges,and had a nack to get Mr.Edwards to talk about football instead of math.I will miss him and I'm so glad he came to our reunion last year.I will never forget swivel hips Lopasky.He was a special person.My thoughts and prayres go out to his family. Al Niezgoda
Diane Jones
September 22, 2011
My prayers go out to Joe's entire family, and may they continue to be blessed. My name is Diane Jones i worked under Joe for six years, he was the best director anyone could ask for. Joe may you rest in peace.
Camacho Family
September 22, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go to the Lopasky family. Joe will be missed dearly. May his spirit be live and well with the Lord.
Pamella (Johns) Joachim
September 22, 2011
To Pat and your family -
So sorry to read about your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Carol Blanc
September 22, 2011
I left Houston and moved where my family is here in Georgia but I never forgot our friend and boss, Joe. He was a big help to me when my father had to come to Houston for treatment at M.D. Anderson. He was the one I could go to and just talk when I needed to. I will never forget his tender heart for me at that time. I'll always remember you, Joe. He was a true friend. My prayers to the family..
September 22, 2011
Mr. Touchdown, you will be sadly missed.
Doris(Owens) Hannah
September 22, 2011
Thoughts and prayers to joe's wife and family . This is a sadding shock..I am so happy I got to talk with him,beaming, last year at the class reunion and having him tell me how happy and proud he was of his wife and family..He left me with a gret memory of him singing to all of us at the reunion...and was always our STAR foorball player... A wonderful man...So sorry..
Malcolm Brunges
September 22, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
ronnie lohr
September 22, 2011
played baseball with Joe at UH. Lost contact after that but remember Joe as a great team player and really fun person. My condolences to his family
September 22, 2011
Shirl & Boys, So very sorry. Joe was a good friend and above all was a loving family man. He will be missed by many. My deepest sympathy. God Bless, Barry Pollack
September 22, 2011
What a great Angel heaven has now!!! We will all miss you and cherish the times we spent with you. You left us a beautiful wife, 2 sons and 2 daughters in law!!!We will wrap them with love
September 22, 2011
So sorry for your loss-Was a cheerleader at Lehman High, 4 years. Cheered for he and his bro at the games. nice people-hugs and God Bless
Jan and Larry Belinowski
September 22, 2011
To one of the "BEST OUTLAW" the family ever had. We will really miss you and your singing and strumming out in the barn. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Linda Feidt(Kittle)
September 22, 2011
Pat & Lopasky Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Bill & Helen Meade
September 22, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It was so good to see him last year at our reunion. May god be with you at this time and the memories bring you confort. Class Mate
Edward Wyda
September 22, 2011
Although I never met you, my Mother, Mary Wyda was friends with your Mother.
RIP
Ed. Wyda,Pensacola,Florida
[email protected]
Michael & DeBorah DuBil
September 22, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. He will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
David Kriesel
September 22, 2011
Thank you Coach Lopasky for the wonderful memories from Alief High School ('78). You were a great coach that knew how to motivate your players. We had a great freshman year scoring a high 134 points against Friendswood, something we will never forget. I can still see your smiling face in the rearview mirror while driving the bus as we sang bus driver songs to you on the way home from our games. FIRE UP was our chant back then. Thanks coach for FIRING US UP! You will be missed by never forgotten.
Larry & Valerie Meyer
September 22, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
September 22, 2011
We'll miss you Joltin Joe.
Betty Lou Graham-Mohr
September 22, 2011
Fond memories of Joe at Lehman High School and at our house with my parents. A very loving and close friend. Dear Shirley and family, may you find peace knowng he is in the arms of our Lord.With Our Deepest Sympathy, Betty Lou Graham-Mohr & Louise Graham
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