Cover photo for Francis Frank Kopczenski's Obituary
Francis Frank Kopczenski Profile Photo
1943 Francis 2018

Francis Frank Kopczenski

January 23, 1943 — July 15, 2018

Cassville, NY-Francis "Frank" Kopczenski, age 75, of Reservoir Road, passed away peacefully, in the comfort of his home, early Sunday morning, July 15, 2018 following a battle with Parkinson's Disease.  At the time of his passing, he had the love and comfort of his wife, Linda (Durse) Kopczenski, at his side.  He was born January 23rd, 1943 in Lowville, New York son of the late Chester and Thelma (Henry) Kopczenski and educated in the Lowville Academy.  He furthered his education attending Mohawk Valley Community College receiving an associates degree in refrigeration and air conditioning.  He began his apprenticeship as a tool maker in the north country.  He went to work for UNIVAC as a tool and die maker for several years, then with Chicago Pneumatic and then General Electric.  His last professional employment was with Remington Arms, Ilion.  Frank then went back to school to receive his license as an escort driver of oversize loads, traveling all over the country, even New Mexico operating his own business.   Frank's greatest joy in life was teaching young people auto mechanics and machine shop.  He loved boating especially on his 28 foot cabin cruiser.  Frank and his wife Linda enjoyed traveling all over, especially going to Maine. He enjoyed history and was a jack of all trades.  You name it, he could do it.  Frank went above and beyond for anyone.  He was extremely close with the Durse family and will be sadly missed by all those who had the fortunate experience of knowing him.   Survivors include his beloved wife of 29 years, Linda Kopczenski at home; his siblings, Stanley Kopczenski and wife Marie of Florida; two step sisters, Lois Kopczenski of Deerfield and Sharon West of TN; his step mother, Rita Kopczenski of Boonville; mother in law, Charlotte Durse of Frankfort whom Frank loved and appreciated dearly; brother in law, George Durse of Frankfort, brother in law, Charles Durse and wife Tara (whom Frank loved dearly) of Ilion; nephews, Ryan Durse whom Frank admired and thought the world of; a loving and close sister in law, Debbie Durse (and boyfriend Pat Farley and son, Patrick, Jr.) of Frankfort, whom Frank loved to tease.  Frank thought Debbie had a heart of gold.  Also surviving are his aunt, Georgeann Chrisman of Frankfort (who loved Frank dearly over the past several years); cousins, Corey and Crystal Chrisman and their children, Carmella and Cassia (whom Frank loved dearly), his many dear and devoted friends who were considered Frank's family.  They went above and beyond for him, Peter Baker of Lowville (Frank's closest friend for many years and loved him like a brother), Brenda Weston and Sharon Matthews of Ilion (who always remembered Frank's special life occasions), Mr. and Mrs. James "Jim" Recchio of Frankfort, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Engell of Ilion (Frank's Christian friends), Patricia Gillen and son, Joseph Gillen of Frankfort (who never stopped praying for Frank and loved him very much), Mr. and and Mrs. Vincent "James" Filingari of Frankfort (two loving and caring people who were special to Frank).  Surviving also are his close neighbors, Alma Dennison (who never forgot Frank's birthday), Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas (who always snowblowed Frank's driveway, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Murphy (who were a great blessing to Frank), Mr. and Mrs. Phil Deangelo and their son, little Philly (who loved to watch Frank mow), Mr. and Mrs. Robert Culver (for their many years of love and compassion for Frank), Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bono and son, Jack Jr and his wife Kelly for all of the prayers and compassion over the years and Tim and Heath for all of the remodeling over the years and Rick and Mike for their painting (they never forgot to say hello or goodbye to Frank).  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Frances Kopczenski. Linda and her family would like to thank Ann and Phil for all of the times they came over to help Frank during the difficult times.  Also, a special thank you to Frank's dear friend, Hazel Sweet of Utica (who always had a smile for Frank).  The following friends where ever so special to Frank, Mr. and Mrs. William Hollenbeck, Mike Latella and wife Marina (for their love, respect and honor of Frank and who were not only friends but family members, Marina loved Frank dearly) and family, Michael Jr. (who was the son Frank never had and taught him auto mechanic talents and meant the world to Frank), Anthony and Salvatore (who watched Frank and kept him safe) and daughter Gianna (who came over every month to cut Frank's hair) and Gianna's husband, James Giruzzi (who always loved and respected Frank).  Special thank you to John "Pop" DiNigro of Cassville for all his long talks about the Lord and the bible with Frank and unending friendship.  Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Michael (Jill) Harjung of California, whom Frank knew for over 30 years and loved Jill like his own daughter and her mom and dad, Molly and Bob and their friendship which will never be forgotten and Jill's sister, Susan Herron who prayed for Frank every single day and the prayers were well sent, she will never be forgotten.  Thank you to Don and Lisa Peterson of Ilion who always called and prayed for Frank.   The family offers their deepest gratitude to all of their "angels" at Hospice Care, Inc., Elena, Lori, Ann, Irene and Carrie, for the love, care and compassion offered each and every day.  Thank you to the RN's Lisa, MIchelle and Karen for their great compassion.  A heartfelt thanks to each and every members of the Cassville Fire Dept., who were always a phone call away to help and assist.  Linda thanks Dr. David Petrie and his entire nursing staff and receptionists who's love and respect was certainly appreciated over the years.  Thanks to Dr. Garth Garramone who admired Frank greatly and for his compassion over the years.  Thank you to CVS in Waterville for their thoughts and prayers and the Medicine Shop in Ilion for the many years of friendship and caring.  The family would like to acknowledge Nunn's Hospital Equipment for their professionalism.   In keeping with the wishes of Frank, there will be no public calling hours or funeral service.  Burial will be private at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frankfort, NY. Kindly consider memorial donations in his name to Hospice Care, Inc. or Cassville Volunteer Fire Dept. as a tribute to Frank.  Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations (Daniel J. Enea, owner), 7507 State Route 5 (Corner of Bidleman Road), between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, 315-508-5131, has been entrusted with Frank's funeral arrangements.  Please add to his online memorial by clicking above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Francis Frank Kopczenski, please visit our flower store.

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