Paul John Kopkowski

Paul John “Uncle Paul” Kopkowski, of Erie, passed away at Ball Pavillion on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. He was the eldest son born to Helen and Andrew Kopkowski, born February 5, 1936.

Paul attended St. Stanislaus Elementary, Cathedral Prep and graduated from Technical Memorial. After graduation, he joined the United States Army and married the love of his life, Therese Zamorski. They lived together in Germany for a short time. Together, Paul built their home in Erie, PA. He received his engineering degree at Gannon University. Paul worked for many years as an engineer at Hammermill Paper Co. and then at Hamot Hospital.

Together, Paul and Therese sailed Lake Erie on the Bon Vivant with their close friends and family. It was there on the waters of Lake Erie where they especially felt at home. They also shared travel adventures with close friends. Their home was always filled with love and laughter. They made everyone feel welcomed whether you were there for the first time or many festive occasions.

Paul was an outdoorsman who loved to ice fish, hunt and camp with family, nephews, nieces and friends. He was a longtime member of St. James R.C. Church. He loved working at the festival. Paul was always active. He was a skilled wood worker, having made picnic tables, unique bird houses and cabinetry. He was always ready with a warm fire on a cold day. Paul enjoyed cooking soup for the Emmaus Soup Kitchen, baking breads, baked beans and pumpkin pies.

His beloved Therese preceded him in death on May 16, 2011. Paul was further preceded in death by his in-laws, Helen and Ed Zamorski; his sister, Susan Fulton; and his brother-in-law, David Fulton. He will be dearly missed by his brother, John Kopkowski (Nadine); his sister, Sr. Carolyn Gorny Kopkowski OSB; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ed and Antoinette Zamorski; niece, Stephanie Norsted (Lee); his lifelong friend, John Cipriani (Judy); and his godson, David Cipriani (Mary Jarvie). Paul is also survived by nieces and nephews, Christopher Kopkowski (Renee), Jennifer Radtke (Ron), Cynthia McCabe (Scott), Kathleen Schaaf (Larry), John Fulton (Hilary), Jim Fulton, Dan Fulton (Natalie) and Michele Hedglin (Ken); and several great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews too.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Paul’s caregivers, Chrissy, Kate, Lynn, and Serene, as well as the staff at Ball Pavilion, for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they showed to Paul.

Paul will always be known for his laughter, his bushy white hair and his generosity. He had many friends, many who have passed away. Too many to mention.

Smooth sailing Uncle Paul!

Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 2607 Buffalo Rd., on Monday, May 11th, from 3 to 7 pm. Further Visitation will be held at Mount Saint Benedict, 6101 East Lake Road, on Tuesday, May 12th, from 10 am until the time of the Funeral Mass there at 10:30 am. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Reyburn Sailing School, c/o Erie Yacht Club, 1 Ravine Drive, Erie, PA 16505 or the Benedictine Sisters, c/o Mount Saint Benedict, 6101 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511 or St. James R.C. Church, 2635 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.