Alfred Allen Kopecky, M.D., 88, passed away peacefully at home on June 10, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on November 4, 1937 to the late Julia Marek Kopecky and Alfred Kopecky, he was raised on a farm in El Maton, Texas, where he developed the strong work ethic, humility, and love of the outdoors that would remain with him throughout his life.
At the age of 14, Al met Betsy Coleman at a 4-H meeting. She would become the love of his life and his best friend for more than six decades. Al graduated as salutatorian of Tidehaven High School’s Class of 1955 and went on to attend the University of Texas, earning a degree in chemistry in three years and graduating Phi Beta Kappa. In 1962, he received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, where he was a member of the Nu Sigma Nu medical fraternity.
Al and Betsy were married in 1962 and began their life together in Philadelphia, where Al completed his internship at Philadelphia General Hospital, while Betsy worked for DuPont at the Experimental Station in Wilmington, Delaware.
In 1963, Al was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. He served as Director of Base Medical Services at Ellington Air Force Base in Texas, while Betsy worked nearby at NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.
From 1966 to 1969, Al completed his residency in urology at Baylor College of Medicine, training at Methodist Hospital, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, Ben Taub General Hospital, and Veteran’s Administration Hospital. During his final year, Al served as Chief Resident and was honored as Resident of the Year.
In 1969, Al and Betsy moved their young family to Victoria, where they made their home and became deeply rooted in the community. For the next 43 years, Al cared for generations of patients as a urologist, practicing first with Dr. Webb DeTar and later with Drs. Fred Fry, John White, Scott Manatt, and Aaron New. Al also enjoyed sharing call with Dr. Marshall Wiener. Al approached medicine with skill, dedication, and quiet compassion, earning the trust and respect of both patients and colleagues.
Al was active in numerous professional and civic organizations. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a diplomate of the American Board of Urology, a member of The Texas Association of Genito-Urology Surgeons (TAGUS), and a member of the Société Internationale D’Urologie. He served as Chief of Staff at DeTar Hospital and on various boards, including the boards of St. Joseph High School, Trinity Episcopal School, DeTar Hospital, and Citizens Medical Center.
While devoted to his profession and service, Al’s greatest joy was his family. Nothing brought him more happiness than his grandchildren, whom he followed with pride. He also loved hunting with friends and family, spending time at the ranch, and traveling with Betsy. Known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor, Al had a rare gift for perfectly timed jokes and wry observations.
Al is survived by his three children: Kathryn Kopecky Schaper (fiancé Marvin Harvey) of Victoria; Susan Kopecky Hellinger (Mark) of Houston; and Alfred James Kopecky (Elizabeth) of Victoria. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Julia Schaper (Bruce Eaves), Luke Schaper, Michael Schaper, Christopher Hellinger, William Hellinger, Katherine Jane Kopecky, and Penelope Kopecky.
Al was preceded in death by Betsy, his beloved wife of 54 years; his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Louise and Terry McCormack; and many faithful bird dogs.
The family is especially grateful to Al’s team of caregivers led by Janie Lopez: Janice Shiwnath-DeSouza, Renata Williams, and Diana Firova.
Visitation will be held at Rosewood Funeral Chapel, 3304 Mockingbird Lane in Victoria, on Thursday, June 18, from 5:30-7:00 p.m., followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral on Friday, June 19, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception immediately following. The graveside service will be at 4:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Blessing, Texas. All are welcome to attend.
Pallbearers will be Christopher Hellinger, William Hellinger, Luke Schaper, Michael Schaper, Bruce Eaves, Dodson Jones, and Jason Elder.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph High School in Victoria.
