Theodore J. Kopanski

North Hampton - Theodore James Kopanski, died peacefully in his home on February 28, 2015 in North Hampton. With him while he was preparing for his final journey was his beloved son “Jay” and daughter in-law Anita. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years Doris Louise (Clay) Kopanski and their daughter Kristen Kopanski. Ted was born on August 10, 1925 in Lynn, Mass. to his parents, William F. and Mary (Sawiska) Kopanski. He and his siblings: Walter, Cecilia, and Irene, and his parents all moved to Walnut Avenue in North Hampton to a small farm house. He spent many years at that farmhouse, attending school at North Hampton and Portsmouth. He graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1943 and joined the Army Air Corps to fight in WWII. Ted was set up on a blind date with Doris Louise Clay in Hampton. After a short courting, Ted shipped off to war as a part of the 449th Bomb Group, the 717th Squadron to Taranto Italy and flew 33 missions over Europe. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1945. Upon returning to the United States, Ted reconnected with Doris and they married in 1947. Ted and Doris lived in Hampton in the early part of the marriage and moved across the street from Ted’s childhood farmhouse in 1974. Ted was an avid member of the Freemasons and American Legion Post 35 in Hampton, something he found enjoyable. After working at his own Esso filling station and then becoming a local postman, toll road worker, and a mailman at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Ted decided that it was time for family and a little fun. Once retired, he and Doris spent their time traveling around the world and taking care of their grandchildren. Ted’s love of flight and flying were evident and he continued to fly after leaving the Army. He owned two planes hangared at the Hampton Airfield; He instilled his awe of aviation into his son. Ted never let a plane go overhead without looking up. Family was always at the forefront of Ted’s life and whatever he did was for the benefit of his children, grandchildren and finally his great-grandchildren. He gave his all for the family and expected nothing but love in return. Theodore is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Theodore J Kopanski, Jr. and Anita, granddaughters Jennifer Kopanski Bailey and her husband Chris, Rachel Marinas and her fiancé Glenn York, great-grandchildren Braeden, Camden, and Daven Bailey, Gracy “Frankie” Spirito and Brady York. Also included survivors are many nieces, nephews, their children and grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. Following the service there will be a small gathering for those who would like to celebrate Ted’s life at a location to be announced at the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Shriners Hospital for Children, 55 Blossom St., Boston MA 02114. There will be a private interment at a later date. Dear Dad, May you always fly into the setting sun, have the wind at your back, let the skies always be CAVU and the weather always Hotel Sierra. Love you, miss you. Jay Flying West I hope there's a place, way up in the sky Where pilots can go when they have to die. A place where a guy could buy a cold beer For a friend and a comrade whose memory is dear. A place where no doctor or lawyer could tread, Nor a management-type would ever be caught dead! Just a quaint little place, kind of dark, full of smoke, Where they like to sing loud, and love a good joke. The kind of a place that a lady could go And feel safe and secure by the men she would know. There must be a place where old pilots go, When their wings become heavy, when their airspeed gets low, Where the whiskey is old, and the women are young, And songs about flying and dying are sung. Where you'd see all the fellows who'd 'flown west' before, And they'd call out your name, as you came through the door, Who would buy you a drink, if your thirst should be bad, And relate to the others, "He was quite a good lad!" And there, through the mist, you'd spot an old guy You had not seen in years, though he'd taught you to fly. He'd nod his old head, and grin ear to ear And say, "Welcome, my Son, I'm proud that you're here! For this is the place where true flyers come When the battles are over, and the wars have been won. They've come here at last, to be safe and alone, From the government clerk, and the management clone; Politicians and lawyers, the Feds, and the noise, Where all hours are happy, and these good ol' boys Can relax with a cool one, and a well deserved rest! This is Heaven, my Son. You've passed your last test!" (Captain Ret) Mike Larkin, TWA

Theodore J. Kopanski

August 10, 1925 - February 28, 2015