Born in Jersey City and raised in North Arlington, Rick graduated from Bergen Technical School in 1961. In 1963, Rick joined the United States Marine Corps and served until 1966, including in Viet Nam. He married his sweetheart, MaryAnn Pellek, in 1968 and they lived in Parsippany until they moved in 1971 to the home he built at Culver Lake. He worked as a general contractor and was also employed by Mohawk Lumber, Fredon Welding and retired from Stateline Fabricators in August of 2012.
Rick was a member of the Branchville Businessmen’s Club and was a member of the former Montague VFW where he served as Commander. He also served as District 21 Commander for Sussex County.
The son of the late Alfonse and Mary (Baldyga) Kopet, Rick was also predeceased by his brother, Robert, his sister, MaryAnn Bocak; his brother-in law, Jack Pellek; and his niece, Denise Kopycienski.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, MaryAnn; his two daughters, Cheryl Williver (Thomas) of Stillwater and Suzanne Kopycienski of Branchville; his two granddaughters, Katie and Megan Williver; his three sisters-in-law, Ann Kopet of Rockaway, Ann Jesienski of Bayville and Margaret Pellek of San Antonio, Texas; his brother-in-law, John Bocak of Garfield; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021, at the Wood Funeral Home, 16 Main Street, Branchville, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady Queen of Peace R.C Church, 209 US Highway 206, Branchville. Interment will follow in the Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sparta. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 13, 2021, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace R.C. Church, 209 US Highway 206, Branchville, NJ 07826 or [email protected]
