Ryszard "Rich" T. Kopacz

Ryszard “Rich” Tadeusz Kopacz, 40, passed away on August 2, 2024. 

He was a devoted husband to Melissa, loving father to William (and twin daughters due in November). He is survived by his parents, Tadeusz & Ewa Kopacz; brothers, Tom Kopacz and Jacek (Rachel) Kopacz; uncle to Brianna Urbanski, Kaitlin Jacobius, Jacek, Izabella, Emilia & Michal Kopacz.

Rich was a veteran of the United States Army. He was in the 814 th Military Police Unit. Rich proudly served his country from 2000 – 2010 with tours of duty in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. Rich was decorated with many medals of achievement and certificates. He was honorably discharged. He went on to serve as a police officer where he was promoted to Sergeant before becoming certified in HVAC systems.

Rich and Melissa met in high school, began dating July 28, 2010, and later married on December 23, 2017. Rich was a man who loved his family and had a passion for helping others. He was the first one to call if you needed help and would be in his car on his way to you before hanging up the phone. Rich’s outgoing personality and his love for connecting with others instantly turned strangers into friends. He was quick-witted, had a contagious laugh and a voice that could project loud enough to be heard blocks away. He was an intelligent, quick learner. He had interest in many things and was always eager to pick up on new knowledge that would help him be able to help others.

Rich never believed in calling a handy man. If something was broken, he knew how to fix it. There wasn’t a job he couldn’t complete. From fixing cars and home appliances to building decks, laying floors, and even building, from the ground up, the home he shared with Melissa. A home where his generous heart would always invite friends and family to spend time together and make memories.

Rich’s greatest achievement was becoming a father. He was so proud of William and was overjoyed with the addition of twin girls arriving this fall. William adored his daddy. They looked forward to their nightly walks around the neighborhood to the beach while wearing their matching beanie hats, and trying out new toys and gadgets daddy would bring home. William would wait patiently at the front door as daddy mowed the lawn, knowing once he was finished, he would get a victory ride on daddy’s lap on the riding mower!

So many are blessed to have known Rich and celebrated his many triumphs. We will truly miss a devoted husband, father, son, brother and uncle. We will hold tight to the memories we were able to make, until we meet again one day in Heaven.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 9, from 4pm until 8pm, with a service with military honors at 7pm, at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a fund that has been established to help financially support Rich's wife and three children during this difficult time. https://gofund.me/9e2e919c