Lt. Colonel Daniel Tolopka

Lt. Colonel Daniel Tolopka, age 82, passed away January 11, 2014 after a short battle with cancer. Daniel was born to the late William and Meri Tolopka on February 24, 1931 in Lowville, NY. In high school he moved to Houston.

Daniel retired from Texaco after over 40 years of service. Daniel was also a retired Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Daniel was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Houston. Daniel had held several positions in the Knights of Columbus Council #3910 including serving as Grand Knight for several years. He was a fourth degree member.

Daniel was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Frances. He is survived by daughter, Mary Gentempo and husband John; sons, William Tolopka and wife Donna, Carl Tolopka and wife Becky, and Daniel Tolopka II: grandchildren Patrick Tolopka, Christina Hernandez and husband Victor, Tyler and Madelyn Tolopka, Michael and Christopher Gentempo.

Pallbearers are Michael Tolopka, Patrick Tolopka, Tyler Tolopka, Michael Gentempo, Christopher Gentempo, James Kroboth, and Irvin Schueler.

Friends are invited to visitation with the family from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 16, 2014 at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 6700 Ferris St., Bellaire, TX 77401. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 17, 2014 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10330 Hillcroft St., Houston, TX 77096. A reception will follow in the church hall. Afterwards, Rite of Committal will be at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.