Joseph Michael Stopka

Joseph Michael Stopka of Amity, died on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at home with his devoted wife, Elaine; and his children, their spouses and grandchildren by his side. Joe was born April 5, 1941, a son of the late Joseph and Mary Lillie Stopka. He graduated from Bethlehem Center High School in 1959, and joined the United States Air Force in 1961, where he spent four years at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine. Joe was an aircraft and missile hydraulic and pneumatic technician for the SAC, 8th AF and 42nd Heavy Bomb Wing. Joe also performed maintenance on B-52's, KC-135's and Gam Missiles. He also earned his expert marksmanship award. Joe went to electronics school and then was employed by RCA in Meadowlands in 1966, which later became Tac Tec Systems. He continued working there until closure. Joe worked numerous other jobs: an assistant mechanic at CDS trucking, helping construct homes and was a metal cutter at Industrial Gasket and Shim in Meadowlands until he retired in 1991. He enjoyed the outdoors and working on his farm raising beef cattle; and was known for the many acres of potatoes that he grew. He was a member of the Steele Lillie American Legion Post 744 in Marianna. On October 24, 1970, he married the love of his life, Elaine Pettit. They had three children: daughter, Tammie Johnson (Jonathan), son, Michael Stopka (Laura) and daughter, Rebecca Kaczmark (Todd). They have nine grandchildren: Dustin and Dylan Cowell, Olivia Brumley-Johnson, Addonae Johnson, and Cooper Johnson, who died in infancy; Dominic, Donovin, and Delanie Stopka; and Ethan and Nora Kaczmark. He also has two great-grandsons: Kyler Cowell and Makahi Brumley-Johnson. Preceding him in death in addition to his parents, was his brother, Franklin Richard Stopka. Joe was the last of his immediate family. Family and friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, and from 11 to 1 p.m. Tuesday, in the Nichol Funeral Home, 1873 East Maiden Street, Washington, where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday March 3, with Pastor Wesley Kavanagh officiating. Interment will follow in Horn Cemetery. Online guestbook may be signed at www.nicholfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to Steele-Lillie American Legion Post 744 of Marianna.