So sorry for your loss, just heard about it today. I left with MAJ Konopka from BWI in 2010, I let him spend time with his wife in Baltimore while I left Killeen, TX, with his weapon. He was a great Officer, enjoyed the time I spent with him, all jokes on plane and our travel to Afghanistan!!! May he RIP and will miss him

SFC(R) James W Brown

Robert and I were co -workers during our two years assignment as Mechanic in the Military.  Rob was a very great and true person I can honestly call my friend.  We were stationed in Germany together in 92” and always kept in contact as true friends should. 

Rob was a great finance officer and friend! There are many stories of his brilliance as a financial management professional.  There was another side to Rob that deserves equal celebration. He made us laugh when we needed it most!  I shall never forget his obsession with WWE. I will always remember laughing endlessly as he and my young son posed for pictures with WWE TItle Belts after watching Wrestle Mania.  Beside being a talented leader, was a big kid at heart. I’ll always remember him as a brilliant man, an excellent finance officer, and a wonderful friend who taught us all not to take ourselves too seriously. He will most certainly be missed. 



Rob and I started at DISA on the same day in September 2016.  He was such a friendly, bubbly participant in that new employee orientation.  I am shocked by his death and having a very hard time believing he is gone.  I  feel  very bad for his family at this very sad time.

Rob and I met in Anchorage Alaska.  We were both Captains about to take Command of Finance Companies.  Rob was an absolute stellar Officer and more importantly and genuinely good person and a dear friend.  Rob you will be missed by many.  I’ll see you on the other side battle buddy!

The Costa Family,
                                       We still can’t believe that we will not see Rob in this world again. Our family has known the Konopka’s since the early 70’s. Their children and ours played together and we went on many outings together. Rob was like a nephew to us and we looked forward to his visits to New York. We were so proud of his accomplishments in the military. Going from Private to Major and on his way to Lieutenant Colonel is no easy task without attending West Point. Words can not express our feelings at this time. We can only offer our sincere condolences to his family, Rosemary, Kevin, Angela and of course Fancy.

                                                                                                Tom & Ana & Family

Though I did not have the opportunity but briefly see Robert across the hallways of DISA HQ, I always tear when a brother-in-arms leaves our earthy world. My prayers go to his family and friends in hopes that they all find comfort in beautiful memories shared with Robert. I'd like to dedicate a favorite poem of comfort:

We Remember Them by Sylvan Kamens & Rabbi Jack Riemer

"At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them. 
 At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; We remember them. 
 At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; We remember them. 
 At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We remember them. 
 At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn; We remember them. 
 At the beginning of the year and when it ends; We remember them. 
 As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as We remember them. 

When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them. 
 When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them. 
 When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We remember them. 
 When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them. 
 When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We remember them. 
 For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them."


I was honored to call Rob friend.  I met him when I got the Syracuse University, as he was one of my classmates. He was funny and could always make me laugh.  He was in mine and my wife Julie's wedding in February 2007 on a cold Central NY afternoon. He escorted my stepmother-in-law, and she still asks about him to this day.  He was also my classmate at CGSC, and welcomed me into his and Angela's home many times.  The world has lost a good man and a good friend. 

First, I like to just say my prayers go out to MAJ Konopka's Family.  

Second, I was Roberts Basic Course Director when he entered the Finance Corps and his Deputy Commander at his last duty assignment in 2016.  With that being said, The United States Army and civilians send condolences to his family.  

Finally, MAJ Konopka was an talented and smart Finance Officer.  His contributions from day one entering into the Finance Corps was instrumental.  Robert would help anyone and put others first before his own needs.   His sincere generosity and loyalty was what I know the most.  Robert would fight for what's right and mentor all who needed to be steered the right way.  I can go on and on but I will leave this last thought.  I remember our last conversation as he was preparing to retire.  Robert wanted to make a difference and strengthen his family bond.  He was always looking to make those around him see the way.

Robert will be missed but never forgotten!

Colonel (R) Anthony S. Cole Sr 

I first met Rob while attending grad school at Syracuse.  Rob had an infectious smile and is absolutely one of the funniest people I have had the pleasure of knowing.  No matter what type of day you were having or what was going on in your life, Rob always would always put a smile on your face.  He was definitely our DCP class clown.  I am truly heartbroken and he will be deeply missed.  I will always remember my wonderful, kindhearted, funny friend.  

I met Robert during his time as the PPBES instructor at the U.S. Army Financial Management School.  He was a friendly, humorous, creative individual who could be counted on to do the right thing when it mattered.  I will never forget the "20 pushup challenge" that he posted to his online PPBES web site- hilarious stuff!  He once gave a holiday safety briefing during the FMS Holiday Social that was so funny I could not stop laughing and it made my sides ache!  Just a great guy who was always fun to talk to.  I will miss him.

I met Rob at Syracuse University back in 2006.  He was funny, smart, and always willing to help.  My son was a bit of a handful, but Rob horsed around with him all the time.  He shared this picture with me a couple of years ago while he was at FORSCOM teaching a course.  Everyone that attended that class said how he made PPBE fun and they really understood it so much better by the way he taught it.  He will be missed.

Rob was one of the funniest people I have ever known .  I first met Rob at Syracuse University and I can still vividly  remember him telling our class that he was from the greatest place on earth because it had the same name twice...New York, New York!  He was a humble friend who genuinely cared for others.  I will always remember his quirky personality and how he loved to watch others react when he said something off the wall.  I, and many others, are heart broken, but know Rob is in a better place.  The Defense Comptroller Class of 2007 will always remember Rob as a unique and genuine friend who loved to make us smile and laugh during class.  

I met Robert at the movie theater in Queens. He was with his mom and I with my husband.In that short period of time I found him to be every bit of a gentleman with such a warm and caring way. It was a moment in time but  I got to know so much more  about Robert whenever Roe and I spoke about our grown children I feel so very sad about his loss and blessed to have met him.



We met Robert in early 1990s. When you meet someone as down to earth, funny, smart, kind and caring as him you keep in touch. Blessed to have called him a friend.  He will be missed beyond words.  Hugo & Cecily Matos

OBITUARY

Robert Adam Konopka Jr.

January 28, 1971 – March 24, 2018

Schimunek Funeral Home

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