John R. Sopko

John R. Sopko, a resident of Moravian Village in Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on October 1, 1934, in Hellertown, he was the son of the late John J. and Anna P. (Petruno) Sopko. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dolores A. (Durner) Sopko, and his brother, Regis T. Sopko.
John graduated from Moravian College, where he earned his BA and then earned his M.Ed from Lehigh University and Temple University. He devoted his life to education, beginning his career as a teacher with the Rockaway School District before serving the Bethlehem Area School District. His passion for learning and dedication to his students shaped countless lives. He later served as Coordinator of Instructional Material Services for Colonial Northampton IU 20, where he was responsible for 13 school districts and played a key role in developing and supporting educational programs throughout the region.
A man of deep faith, John was a longtime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. He also loved music, was an avid reader, and enjoyed traveling, always preferring to go by car.
He is remembered with gratitude and admiration by his cousins, extended family, friends, and the many students and colleagues whose lives he touched. John's legacy as an educator, mentor, and servant to his community will continue to inspire future generations.
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday January 15, 2026 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3219 Santee Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020, where there will be a viewing from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Immediately following the Mass, John will be laid to rest in his family's private mausoleum at Holy Saviour Cemetery. John's arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church or to a charity of your choice.