Andrew Kopan

 

Andrew “Andy” Kopan, 98, of Canton,OH, passed away peacefully at his home with family on December 7, 2023. Born during the roaring 20’s, the youngest of seven siblings in Canton, Ohio on October 16,1925 to Hungarian Immigrants, Janos and Katerina (Csoma) Kopan.  He spoke Hungarian with his family and others in the neighborhood until he started grade school. Andy learned English in grade school along with his nephew and best friend, Bill “Balough” Snyder; they grew up together like brothers.

Andy graduated in the class of 1943 from Timken Vocational High School as an auto mechanic. After high school he was drafted into the Army Air Force where he proudly served as a mechanic, attaining the rank of Sergeant during World War II. After the war he worked as a warehouseman for 34 years at Republic Steel, Berger Division. In retirement, Andy learned to repair and work on TVs at his son’s business, Frank’s TV Repair Shop. He delighted in fixing just about anything. 

Andy was a mechanic, fisherman, hunter, trapper, golfer, bowler (well into his 90's until COVID hit), backyard gardener, and winemaker. Even losing his vision to Macular Degeneration in his 70’s did not stop Andy’s very active lifestyle. 

He enjoyed the company of family, friends, and neighbors with a glass of beer or wine, and he always had food to share and music playing.  Andy enjoyed baking and cooking. Fish frys at Andy’s house were a favorite family celebration. His chicken paprikash with sour cream gravy and corn meal mush was a family favorite, along with applesauce from his backyard tree. He always had some sort of pie made and a full tin of fresh popcorn, which he popped over the stove. He shared his recipes, garden tips, vegetables from his garden, including plants from seeds. 

He was a wonderful neighbor and enjoyed his community. He loved going to the White Crown Cafe on Wednesday evening where he would treat the family to dinner.  He loved Lake P'na and passed his love on to his grandson, Nathan, who became a member. Neighbors will remember him on the electric riding mower that he enjoyed to cut the lawn and to visit the neighbors.  He enjoyed tending his vegetable garden and shared its harvest with many of his neighbors; Manuel and Mary Silva, Gary and Patsy Clark, Harold and Kathy Lewton, Jerry “Alan” and Julie Stokes, Bob, Pat and Kevin Welker.

 He found joy taking care of the local backyard wildlife. His birds, racoons, possums, skunks and stray cats were well-fed. One cat, “Chicky” became a favorite for many years. 

Andy and his wife Fay raised three children, Frank, Kevin, and Lori. The family stayed close with their cousins, aunts, and uncles - they loved to party! The family enjoyed frequent travel, including trips to California, Florida, and Maine.  
He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Fay (McCrea) Kopan and his daughter Loraine “Lori” Kopan in 2007. His siblings-Helen (Norm) Snyder, Elizabeth (Mike) Mariol, Frank (Matilda) Kopan, John (Alice) Kopan, Katie (Jim) Gaffney, Joe (Penny) Kopan; his parents, Janos and Katerina (Csoma) Kopan.

Andy is survived by two of his children - Frank (Betty) Kopan of Mineral City, Kevin (Linda) Kopan of Canton and by seven grandchildren - Don (Christ) Kopan, Kim (Larry) Kinnison, Jennifer (Jeff) Kahooilihala, Heather Kopan, Desiree Kopan, Nathan (Molly) Kopan, Natalie Kopan. Great-grandchildren, Cullen Kopan, Jeffrey Kinnison, Caroline Lightner, Julia Kinnison, Asher Kahooilihala, Aiden Sanor, and Ryker Kahooilihala. Nephews Jim Gaffney and Mike Mariol; nieces, Kathy (Gaffney) Singletary, Karen (Kopan) Gregory, Tamee (Snyder) Kieffer, Tammy Mariol.  Daughters in law, Sharon (Babb) Kopan, Carol (Korsh) Kopan and Katherine M. Kopan and his barber and friend Don “Scozz” Scozzarella.

Andy was a member of Lake P’na Sportsman Club, American Legion Post 44, Steelworkers Local 1200. The Community Christmas and the Akron-Canton Food Bank were two of his many favorite charities.

There will be a private military ceremony for close family at the cemetery for the internment of his remains at a later date. The family would like to thank the wonderful people at Altercare of Navarre, Absolute Home and Hospice, friends and neighbors for their assistance and thoughtfulness

Arrangements are entrusted to Kreighbaum Sanders Funeral Home 4041 Cleveland Ave S. Canton, OH 44707.