Thomas Charles Kopacsi

Thomas Charles Kopacsi, loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and friend to all, left this earth on Wednesday, January 6th, 2021. May he find eternal peace in God’s Presence. He was 74. Born June 5th, 1946 in New Brunswick, New Jersey to Helen and Joseph Kopacsi, Jr.

As a boy Tom grew in his Catholic faith, attending grade school at Saint Ladislaus Catholic School where he served as an altar server, and high school at St. Peter’s Catholic High School, both in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Tom was a talented young man with musical and athletic interests, learning to play the accordion while in school and competing on his high school track team. After high school, Tom left New Jersey and headed south to the Lone Star State where he attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, graduating in 1968. There he was a proud member of the ROTC and created many friendships that would enrich his life. It was in San Antonio that Tom met the love of his life, Alice Whitcher. Upon graduation Tom pursued his military career. During his service to our country, Tom and Alice were married and together embarked on a journey overseas. Tom was stationed in Ludwigsburg, Germany. As a First Lieutenant he was assigned as Headquarters Battery Commander at Wilkins Kaserne. Under his leadership the Battery received numerous recognitions and was awarded the Robert L. McLaughlin Trophy as Best Headquarters Battery in 32nd Army Air Defense Command in 1970.

After an Honorable Discharge in 1971, Tom and Alice returned to the United States where he began his career in the oil and gas industry in Houston, Texas with Michigan Wisconsin Pipeline. Tom and Alice welcomed their two loving daughters, Lisa and Adrienne, while living in Houston. In 1980 Tom took a position as Controller with PED Oil Corporation in Midland, Texas. Then in 1988 Tom and his family returned to San Antonio where he pursued a new career path with Western Securities (USA) Limited. It was there that Tom dedicated 30 years as Controller until his retirement in 2018.

Tom was a fisherman from beginning to end. The sea was his heaven on earth. Throughout his lifetime “the Shore” - a nod to his New Jersey roots - is where you would find him; taking in the quiet moments, making magical memories with his family, and recognizing the beauty of what God created. According to Tom, “There is never a bad day at the beach.” The calmness that comes from the sea mirrored Tom’s always calm and gentle nature.

Tom will be remembered most for his unwavering love of family. He possessed a genuinely kind heart, always caring deeply for his friends. He displayed an unfailing work ethic and was respected by colleagues and peers. He treasured quiet conversations with the people who were blessed to call Tom a friend, and he had many friends. He made people feel cared for and loved with his patience and thoughtfulness. He paid attention to their story and without questioning, offered help to those who needed it. Tom was organized, never rushed, savored the good moments with a glass of red wine, and always had a welcoming smile. He loved sharing the Hungarian dishes of his childhood to the delight of his family. He loved to travel and never turned down the opportunity to visit a new place. He found joy in the anticipation and preparation of a trip. He brought boundless energy to sightseeing and offered the perfect snapshot of his travels through his delightfully written and poignant postcards. Tom always relished the festive moments of life and opted for the music to be played loudly.

Thomas was preceded in death by his mother Helen Horvath Kopacsi and his father Joseph Kopacsi, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Alice Whitcher Kopacsi; his daughters, Lisa Michelle Kopacsi, Adrienne Kara Kopacsi Guido and husband, Christopher; his three cherished grandsons, Thomas Maximus, Henry Maverick, and William Cosmo Guido; his brother Joseph William Kopacsi and wife Marjorie; and his nephews Adam Kopacsi and wife Melissa, and Eric Kopacsi.

ROSARY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

9:30 A.M.

FOLLOWED BY THE MASS OF RESURRECTION

10:00 A.M.

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

20523 HUEBNER ROAD

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78258

Thomas will be laid to rest in a private family service at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery where United States Army Honors will be rendered.

The family wishes to thank with love and gratitude the Pallbearers Christopher Guido, Thomas L. Guido, Adam Kopacsi, Eric Kopacsi, Charles Lieder, Roderick V. O’Connor, Sean O’Connor, Dr. Ricardo Sepulveda Malec, Dr. Ricardo N. Sepulveda and Honorary Pallbearers Thomas Maximus Guido, Henry Maverick Guido, and William Cosmo Guido.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Texas Heart Institute, 6770 Bertner Avenue, Houston, Texas 77030, or Saint Mary’s University, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, Texas 78228.