Stanley Kopec.

Stanley J. Kopec Jr

On the beautiful summer afternoon of June 21, 2016, Stan’s energetic spirit broke free and soared heavenward.  He passed away at his home in Pepperell as was his wish.  Stan is survived by his wife Bobbye and his sister Nancy L. Kopec of Windham, NH, as well as extended family members. 

Stan was the son of the late Stanley Kopec Sr. and the late Anna (Duda) Kopec.  He grew up in West Groton amongst close-knit family, friends and neighbors.  He graduated from Groton High School in 1970, University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1974 and University of Massachusetts Lowell Graduate School in 1978.  He taught mathematics at Stoneham High School from 1975-1978 before heading abroad to teach at the International School of Geneva, Switzerland from 1978-1980.  While living in Geneva he traveled extensively throughout Europe.  Upon returning home to Massachusetts, Stan embarked on a three decades’ long career in high tech, working for The Analytic Sciences Corporation, GTE Laboratories, Digital Equipment Corporation, Cabletron Systems Inc., and Nortel Networks.  Most recently prior to his illness Stan taught mathematics courses at both Middlesex Community College and Mt. Wachusett Community College.

Stan was a sports and fitness fanatic, enjoying at various times in his life windsurfing, downhill and cross-country skiing, racquetball, tennis, running, biking, hiking, and swimming, but most recently in the past several years he loved to golf.  He liked nothing more than to be out on the golf course early in the morning.  He was never happier than when he was organizing golf outings for his fellow golf buddies, who affectionately referred to him as “The Commish”, as he was the commissioner in charge of making their weekly arrangements, tee times, etc. 

We would like to thank the many friends, family members and neighbors who stood by us throughout Stan’s illness, whether it was dropping by, calling, providing rides to radiation appointments, coming along to assist on trips to Tufts Medical Center, dropping off meals and gifts, plowing our driveway, or in general providing love, support and caring concern.  We will be forever grateful to all of you for helping to see us through this past very difficult 14 ½ months.  Your many kindnesses will never be forgotten.

We would also like to acknowledge the expert compassionate care Stan received from his many caregivers, especially Nadine Linendoll, PhD, Neuro-Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Tufts Medical Center, and most recently from Home Health VNA and Merrimack Valley Hospice. 

Stan put a lot of quality into his 63 years.  He was engaged in everything he did and always had a smile on his face.  He was a person of great integrity who was very proud and strong-willed.  As genuine as they come, there was not a bone of pretense in his body.  He loved his parents dearly and took care of them lovingly in their final years, even as he dealt with his own health crisis.   He faced his illness with fortitude and dignity.

He would want you to know that the best tribute of all to his life well lived would be to think of him when you play a round of golf on a beautiful sunny day.  Oh, and always be kind to animals.

Death Notice

 Kopec of Pepperell  June 21,2016  Stanley J. Kopec Jr. Visiting Hrs. 4-7 PM at the Badger Funeral Home 45 School St. Groton Friday 4-7 PM A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held Sat 10 AM  at Our Lady of Grace Parish worshipping at St. James Parish  St. James Avenue West Groton. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery Ayer ,MA . To honor Stan’s love for his companion animals Holly, Symba and Timmy, and to honor his compassion for all animals, please consider a donation in Stan’s memory to: Kitty Angels P.O. Box 638  Tyngsboro, MA 01879 www.kittyangels.org        please see www.badgerfuneral.com