Joseph Chopyak

Joseph Leo Chopyak, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on Jan. 3, 2023.

Joe was born in Denver Colorado on February 24, 1940, the first son of Mary “Mitzi” and Leo Chopyak.  He is survived by his loving wife, Angie; son, Larry; daughters Chris, Joellen and Jill; grandchildren Caden, Logan, Erin, Luke, Cameron, Jordan, Jake, Connor, Catherine and Rebecca.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John.

Joe graduated from Cathedral high school in Denver, CO and began working at Western Electric.  He met and married the love of his life, Angie in 1962.  They were happily married for 60 years.  Joe worked at Mountain Bell, AT&T, US West, finally retiring from Qwest in 1996 after which he fulfilled one of his dreams of becoming a bike messenger in downtown Denver.  After Angie’s retirement, they traveled extensively, going on polka cruises, sightseeing throughout Europe, including playing golf at the prestigious St. Andrew’s in Scotland.  They visited the east coast to see Jill and their grandchildren and all over Colorado, hiking, fishing, and hunting.  Their favorite spot was the Flat Tops.

Joe belonged to Sunset Bass Club, where he taught his grandchildren how to fish.  They frequented Cook Park and the Highland Canal fishing for crawdads.  Family was at the center of Joe’s life, and he loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends fishing, hunting, biking, skiing, swimming, tennis and golf.   He completed Ride the Rockies 4 times, including tours with both Chris and Joellen.  Annual summer fishing vacations were a staple for the family, as was skiing in the winter.  Joe was a Little League football and baseball coach for years and was a fixture at his children and grandchildren’s sporting events cheering them on.  He also swam Master’s Swimming and was active in the church, volunteering for ministries including Eucharistic Minister, Catechist, and Sandwich line volunteer.

Joe was an endless source of love and support for his family, always lending a hand, a hug, and sharing his wisdom and advice.  He was the life of the party with his quick wit and sense of humor, which he had until the end.  His sensible and pragmatic advice, straightforward and plain-speaking perspective provided clarity, comfort, always full of love.  He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Rosary at 9:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am, Monday, Jan. 23 at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church (Denver, Colorado)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church sandwich line (https://www.stelizabethdenver.org/outreach/)