Obituary of Barbara J. Kopko
Barbara J. Kopko
Allegany, NY Barbara J. Kopko of 3615 Buffalo Rd. passed away Thursday (May 23, 2019) at her home after an illness.
Born September 2, 1949 in Cuba she was the daughter of Ralph E. and Ramona "Dolly" Giles Burrows. On July 8, 1972 at St. Raphael's church in Eldred, PA she married Anthony "Tony" Kopko who survives.
Barbara attended Eldred Elementary School and later was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School. She then graduated from Mansfield University with a degree in special education and later received her Master's in Education from St. Bonaventure University.
She worked her whole career with Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES, first as a special education teacher for 17 years and then an additional 17 years as a special education supervisor.
She was a member of St. Bonaventure Church. She excelled at the game of Bridge and was an instructor as well as a director of the sanctioned games. She achieved Life Master level and was approaching the rank of Bronze Master. She enjoyed traveling along with her husband in their motor home and were members of the Southern Tier Motor Home Club since 1992. She often would find a bridge club to participate in during their travels.
Surviving besides her husband are 2 sons Jason (Angelina Hinklein) Kopko of Jupiter, FL and Patrick Kopko of Olean; 2 sisters Debra (Donald) Isaman of Mooresville, NC and Patricia (David) Ezzolo of Smethport, PA and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her lifetime friend and co-worker Sandy Monachino of Fayetteville, NY.
The family would like to thank the caring people at Homecare and Hospice for their support during these final days of Barbara's life.
Friends will be received on Sunday from 4-7pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. A prayer service will be held Monday (May 27, 2019) at 9am in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bonaventure Church at 9:30am. Rev. James Vacco, OFM, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Homecare and Hospice, 1225 W. State St. Olean, NY 14760 or to the Otto-Eldred Alumni Scholarship, C/O Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, 301 N. Union St., Suite 203, Olean, NY 14760 (www.cattfoundation.org). Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.
