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Anthony Chopyak Obituary
DORRANCE TWP. — Anthony Chopyak, 46, of Dorrance Township, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 19, 2014, due to a motorcycle accident.
He was born April 28, 1968, in Pittston, a son of Stephen Chopyak and the late Mary Kay Rucco, and was a member of St. Mary's Church, Dorrance.
Tony was a graduate of Red Rock Job Corps where he learned the craft of masonry. He received a vocational teaching certification from Temple University and taught masonry at Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center in Plains Township for the past six years. Tony was a 25-year member and employee of the International Bricklayers Union Local No. 5 and was self employed as a mason.
Tony was a classic car enthusiast who happily spent time restoring his 1963 Chevy Impala. He had a contagious smile and a real zest for life. He loved the wooded surroundings of his new home where he and his beloved wife, Joanne, spent time working outdoors and playing with their dog, Jethro.
He enjoyed teaching, passing his beloved craft on to his students. At family parties, Tony would always be found at the grill preparing a fantastic meal for his family and friends
Everyone who met Tony became an instant friend. He dearly loved his family and will be sadly missed by his wife, Joanne, and by brothers and sisters who were his best friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, the former Mary Kay Rucco.
Presently surviving, in addition to his father, Stephen, and stepmother, Betty J. Kleman, Hughestown, are his loving wife, Joanne; brothers, Stephen and his companion, Debbie, Wilkes-Barre, David and his wife, Tracey, Dallas, Michael and his companion, Carolyne, Pittston, Aaron and his companion, Carissa, Pittston; sister, Rachael and her companion Pat, Hanover; nieces and nephews, Taryn, David, Blake, Bryce, Jace, Bradyn, Brislyn, Kierstin, Mariah and Brandon; stepsons, Michael and his wife, Brooke Vnuk, Nuangola, Davis and his wife, Michelle Vnuk, Newport Township; step-grandchildren, Myla and Nathan Vnuk; step-sister, Kim Binklocker; step-niece, Kylie Troutman; step-mephew, Jarid Blass.
The funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday from the Grontkowski Funeral Home P.C., 51-53 W. Green St., Nanticoke, with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Dorrance. Burial will be in the parish cemetery, Dorrance. Calling hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Chopyak
Apryll Letteer
July 18, 2022
The last time we spoke was 07/19/2014, the evening you passed away. You sent me a text, like you always did, asking if I wanted to hang out. I was busy already and I have always had that nagging thought of would you still be here if I were not busy? I miss you so much. The nine years you have been gone seems like a blink compared to the 30 years we were friends. I would have loved to meet your wife. I remember how distraught you were when you lost your mom and I do have some peace knowing you are back in her arms again. Till we meet again ...
Michelle (Eckrote)Yokavonis
August 19, 2021
I am sorry to hear the passing of Tony. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Apryll Jordan
July 17, 2021
I can honestly say there is not a day that goes by that I do not think of him at least once. Missed beyond words.
Pete Holland
July 15, 2020
To Mike, I hope these years following your brothers death have eased the pain of your loss. I have lost two brothers and of course my parents and I still think about them. Try to remember the things that bring joy to your heart and dismiss the memories that pain you. As I get older and see that my end is getting closer, I find myself remembering fun things that still make me laugh. Tony was always laughing at work and brought light to our days there. I can still see his smiling face.
Pete Holland
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Knapich Optical
July 28, 2014
JoAnn & Family,
Our condolences during this difficult time of loss! Many thoughts & prayers!
July 27, 2014
Isaiah 61 : 2 says God is near to comfort all the mourning ones. May knowing that bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Lora Williams Boswell
July 27, 2014
Pat, I just found out this was your brother that I remember bugging us growing up. I am extremely sorry to hear of his passing. Remember the good times. I miss you!!!
lisa and chris earlley
July 26, 2014
Its been several years since we seen Tony but still a friend at heart. remeber his smile and his good looks..lol..rest in piece ...
joshua deininger
July 26, 2014
R.I.P mr. Chopyak tech won't be the same with out you. Sending all my love to your family <3
Bo
July 24, 2014
Joanne and family,
I was honored to be a friend of Tony's and truly enjoyed many conversations about our students, cooking, the outdoors, and the numerous negotiations over who was putting the next couple of dollars in the juke box. His amazing personality and smile will forever be in my heart. Many thoughts and prayers.
Richard Pietras
July 24, 2014
I met Tony in the late 1990s while he was stuccoing a building in Avoca. I approached Tony to ask him if he could repair some bricks on my window that had weakened mortar. Tony greeted me with a smile and asked me to show him my window. Tony told me no problem and re-mortared the brick 2 days later. Tony charged me a token amount, refusing to take what I felt the job was worth. Tony even left me the remaining bag of mortar. I can only say that the angels are still blowing their horns and Tony is working on God's home. I only wish there were more Anthony Chopyaks in this world. What a beautiful world it would be! My deepest sorrow to Tony's wife and family.
Patricia & Al Choman and Family
July 24, 2014
"He gave his honours to the world, his blessed part to heaven, and slept in peace." With heavy hearts we offer our condolences for your loss and congratulations for Heaven's gain.
Steven Udiski
July 24, 2014
My condolences to the Chopyak family.He maybe gone but will never be forgotten.He will live on through the students he had guided.
Amber Amos
July 24, 2014
Mr. Chopyak may you R.I.P and my prayers are with your family. You will never be forgotten.
Amber Amos
July 24, 2014
I would like to say my thoughts and prayers are with this family. I know that my children and myself will never forget him. He was an awesome person, teacher and friend. I will never forget what he did for my two oldest sons. He was a man with a heart of gold and would go above and beyond for his students. Mr. Chopyak you will never be forgotten in my house. You taught my boys a very important trade but most of all you taught them respect. May god give your family the strength to stay strong.
Elizabeth McGlynn
July 23, 2014
Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends. He maybe gone but will never be forgotten. . He will live on through the students he had guided..
Deiza Rae
July 23, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Joanne and the Chopyak family. I am really going to miss teasing Tony and having him come back with that little snicker and smile.
July 23, 2014
Sending heartfelt thoughts & prayers to the Chopyak family...I pray you find peace & comfort in one another as you mourn the tragic loss of your loved one!!
Sandy Raduta
July 23, 2014
Our Sincere Sympathy to the Chopyak Family and especially to Tony's beautiful bride Joann. God Bless you all. Sandy and Ron Raduta (Wheel's)
Cathy Wren
July 23, 2014
so sorry for your loss all my love Cathy
July 22, 2014
rip tony heaven got another angel
July 22, 2014
A Great man, a great mason and great friend. Always to help. always.
Jess Cates
July 22, 2014
My prayers for Mr.Cs family and friends. He was an outstanding teacher, he was always so happy and helpful. He is greatly missed but not forgotten.
Karen and Leo Krashnak
July 22, 2014
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Tonys's family my husband Leo worked with tony as a mason for many years and he also taught my son at wbavt school he was a great guy and will be missed by many...
Karysa Fashouer
July 22, 2014
Dear friends and family. ..I only knew Mr. Chopyak from seeing and talking to him at WBACTC. He was a great teacher and friend. He will me greatly missed. Just know that people care and you are all in my prayers.
With deepest symphony-
James
July 22, 2014
Our condolences to the Chopyak family and friends for your great loss. May you find comfort in the words of the greatest man who ever lived. Matt 5:4; John 11:43-45
Megan Forgach
July 22, 2014
Joanne and family,
My deepest sympathies to you. May you find strength in your family and friends during this difficult time.
July 22, 2014
Our deepest sympathies. We will be praying for Tony and his family.
Wigle Family
Apryll Jordan
July 22, 2014
I will miss this man more than words can say....I met Tony when I was 14 and we became very good friends and remained friends through out his life . I cannot say enough about the person he was..Kind, loving, and a smile that would light up an entire stadium...When we were kids I used to tell him that I was going to put him in the dryer to shrink him because he was so much taller than me. LOL..He would laugh that awesome laugh and his cheeks would turn red. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, close friends, students, and co-workers. This is a loss for all.
Brian Psolka
July 22, 2014
To The Chopyak Family,
I am sorry for your lost and know he will be your angel watching you!! Godbless all of you!
July 22, 2014
JoAnne & Family :
As Anthony's Temple FRA and on behalf of Dr. Robert Clark, Director and the entire Center staff for Career & Technical Education at the College of Education at Temple University, please accept everyone's prayers and sympathy at this most difficult time.
Alexander Choman
Field Resource Associate
College of Education
Temple University
July 22, 2014
JoAnne & Family :
Our prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time. Anthony was a gentleman and an excellent teacher.
Alexander Choman & Family
Hanover Township, PA
Peter Holland
July 22, 2014
"Tony's infectious laugh and smile will be sadly missed. He was a ray of sunshine that will not be forgotten. I will think of him every time I pass his classroom on my way to mine. He directed so many young minds toward greatness, for his life and career to be cut short is a loss for us all".
Peter Holland, colleague Wilkes-Barre Area Career Technical Center
Kim Price Pugliese
July 22, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Although I haven't seen Tony in a long time, my heart breaks also..... Rest in peace old friend.
July 22, 2014
Dear friends and family. ..I don't even know him but I could see how much he was loved. Just know that people care and you are all in my prayers.
Kim McGinley
July 22, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Joanne and the entire Chopyak family. Tony was such a kind and caring co-worker and friend. He will be certainly missed by his students and friends at the WBACTC. We lost a great co-worker but knowing Tony, we will still have a great friend watching over us just with a better view. I pray for strength for all of you during this extremely difficult time.
Annette Pawlowski
July 22, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It was a pleasure knowing Tony.Always with a smile ,He was so lucky to have such a wonderful loving family who deeply cared about him.
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