Michael J. "Pops" Kopec

 Michael J. "Pops" Kopec, 81, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022 at Baystate Wing Memorial Hospital in Palmer.  He leaves his wife, Linda (Carpenter) Kopec of 35 years, and his children, son Christopher of Palmer; daughters, Rebecca Gelineau and Allyson Kopec, son Jodie and his wife Crystal of West Brookfield; son Tracey and his wife Geri, son, Shawn and his wife Marianne, and son, John of Ware.  Michael also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Melissa Kopec and partner, Matt McGowan and their two children, Dylan Kopec and his wife, Nicole, Kailee Kopec and her two children, Zoe Kopec, Elise Kopec, Alex Merritt and Lilly, Luna & Abigail Kopec.
He was born in Ware, son of the late John B. and Edna (Dubiel) Kopec.  Michael also leaves sisters, Barbara (Alfred) Gurka and Janet Kopec of Ware.
Michael was a graduate of Springfield Trade School and followed his profession of diesel and automobile mechanic in various positions for the rest of his life including 20 years at the Town of Ware Highway Department.  "Pops" still showed up at his son Chris's Auto & Truck Service in Palmer to help out on repairing vehicles after his retirement.  He could manufacture any part needed.  
He was a proud 20 plus year veteran of the Massachusetts National Guard and a 20 year veteran of the Ware Volunteer Fire Department.
Pops loved racing and spent many years working on race cars, even before his son and grandson took up the sport.
Calling Hours will be held on Monday, March 21, 2022 from 5 - 7 PM in the Cebula Funeral Home Chapel, 66 South Street, Ware.
Pops will be laid to rest privately, in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, at a future date.
For more information and online guest book, please visit:  www.cebulafuneralhome.com .
 

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