Reginald Andrew Kopnicky, 91, of Stratford, beloved husband of the late Frances Pardenek Kopnicky, died peacefully December 17 in Bridgeport Hospital, with his loving family by his side. A lifelong resident of Stratford, he was born at home on Hollister Street on February 21, 1926.

His brother, Clement Kopnicky and wife Joan of Newtown; sister, Margaret Cheever of Bridgeport; sisters-in-law, Shirley Kopnicky of Newtown and Sharon Pardenek of Little Falls, N.Y.; children, Thomas Kopnicky and wife Patricia of Norwalk, Gary Kopnicky and wife Ellie of Milford, and Mary Kopnicky and husband Jeffrey Holthenrichs of Holland, Penn.; five grandchildren, Matthew Kopnicky of Milford, Amanda Ellingson and husband D.J. of Norwalk, and Tessa, Van, and Georgia Holthenrichs, all of Holland, Penn.; one great-grandson; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, that were all very dear to him, survive Mr Kopnicky.

In addition to his beloved wife of 67 years, Frances; his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Dugas Kopnicky; siblings, Robert Kopnicky, Joseph Kopnicky, Florence Reiland, Joan Snyder, Richard Kopnicky, Lily Miller, and Betty Bayliff; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-laws, and dear friends predeceased him.

He attended Franklin School and graduated from Stratford High School. In May 1944, he joined the US Navy to serve during World War II, and was stationed in Guam serving as the chief baker. After the war, he used his GI bill for a trade apprenticeship as a tool and die maker. He became highly skilled in this field and worked for Beta Tool in Bridgeport and Century Tool in Milford. His skills were so valued that post-retirement he was often contracted to work on highly specialized jobs.

In April 1948, he married Frances Pardenek and they lived most of their 67 years together in Lordship. Together they greatly enjoyed going to the casino and spending time with family and friends. Their loved ones say "Their Fourth of July picnics were an annual highlight for everyone!"

Mr Kopnicky was always active and his gardens, pickles, and fruit trees were known by all who knew him. For many years, he was an avid fisherman and then an avid golfer. Very athletic, he was close to a scratch golfer despite starting late in life.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 6, at 10 am, in Our Lady of Peace Church, 651 Stratford Road, Stratford, where a Memorial Mass will be celebrated by the Reverend Nicholas Pavia. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main Street, Stratford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr Kopnicky's memory may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford CT 06405.

To leave an online condolence, visit at galellofuneralhome.com.