Terry Kopchak

Terry Eugene Kopchak (71) of Zanesville, passed away on October 20th at Genesis in Zanesville. Also, affectionately referred to as Kopchak, Coach, BIG T, T, TEK, Mr. T, Mr. K, and Kopper. He battled diabetes and kidney and heart disease for many years.

Terry was born in Zanesville on his mother Dolly's birthday September 24, 1954. He was the son of the late Samuel Kopchak, Sr. and Dolores "Dolly" (Betts) Kopchak. He enjoyed 44 years of marriage to his wife Karin (Melick) Kopchak and was the father to son Kristopher "Toph" Kopchak of Newark, OH and daughter Katherine "Katie" Kopchak of Dublin, OH.

Terry was very proud of his educational path, which saw him attend Bell Elementary School, South Zanesville Junior High, and Maysville High School, where he was an honor student, very active in extracurricular activities, and a letter-winner in football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated from THE Ohio State University in Columbus in 1976 (BS Education) and 1980 (MA Educational Administration), fully enjoying his studies and college experiences and participating in two spring commencements inside the iconic Horseshoe Ohio Stadium.

Terry had a successful and productive 44-year career as an educator. He served as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent, and was also employed as an educational consultant and college instructor and coordinator. He had a positive impact on, and was loved and respected by thousands of students, teachers, and colleagues.

Terry had a great love for music, and music played a very important role in his life. He was a talented singer and songwriter and self-taught guitar and harmonica player. He wrote over 300 songs and was very active as a performer for several years throughout central and southeastern Ohio. He was often a solo act, but also fronted his own band during the 1970's and 80's. He was well-known for creating unique songs for birthdays, weddings, retirements, championship sports teams, and his graduating students.

Terry greatly enjoyed attending live performances and concerts and joked that he preferred to attend live shows by the "old farts" bands and entertainers from the 1960's, 70's, and 80's, especially his all time favorite band the EAGLES, which he saw in concert live twelve times between 1973 and 2018.

Terry's love for Ohio State and all things "Buckeye" was a major part of his life. He regularly attended OSU football and basketball games, and he was especially proud that he had attended Ohio State-Michigan football games 43 consecutive years, and a total of 46 times. He was a very supportive alum of Ohio State, active as a member of the Alumni Association and the OSU Alumni Club of Muskingum County (OSUACMC), where he served for over 30 years on the Board of Governors and was the club's President for 19 plus years. He led the local group's growth and progress as a successful non-profit organization, highly involved in service, educational, social activities for Alumni and friends, students, and the community. He was especially proud of the club's Scholarship program, which annually provides thousands of dollars in scholarships to students from Muskingum County attending the campuses of Ohio State. Terry was selected for the Muskingum County Outstanding Alumnus Award and the OSUUAA Pay It Forward Award in 2017, and The Ohio State University Ralph Davenport Mershon Alumni Award for outstanding leadership and service in 2024.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his wife Karin, son Kris "Topher" Kopchak (Andrea Smith) and daughter Katie Kopchak, siblings Sam Kopchak Jr. and Tammy Satterfield (Daryl); nephews Matt Satterfield (Jessica) and Sam Satterfield (Tiffany), grand nieces Sophia and Evelyn, and numerous relatives on both sides of his family. He is also survived by his wife's family.

Visitation hours will take place on Saturday October 25, 2025 beginning at 11:00 a.m at Bryan and Hardwick Funeral Home at 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville, OH. A service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Dean Cole officiating. A celebration of life will take place following the burial, at Bryan

Place 49 N 6th St. in downtown Zanesville. Please join our family in wearing your Buckeye attire.

Terry's family would like to thank all medical providers or caretakers that assisted with his health journey over the years. Also, a very special thanks to family, friends, and neighbors who have given overwhelming support over the years.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the OSU Alumni Club of Muskingum County to PO Box 146 Zanesville, 43702, specifically for their scholarship fund or Nationwide Children's Hospital.

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