Robert Kopatz
October 30, 1919 — May 1, 2011
Robert J. Kopatz passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at the age of 91. He was born on October 30, 1919 in Irvington, N.J to Peter and Victoria Kopatz. Robert was a World War II combat veteran having served his country proudly in the Armys 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, 175th Field Artillery Battalion. This was the first American Division to engage the Germans in World War II in North Africa in November, 1942 against Erwin Rommels Afrika Corps. This division completed 517 days of front line combat in five major campaigns in North Africa and Italy (more combat days than any other American division in any theatre of the war) and had a reputation as one of the toughest combat outfits of World War II. Robert met Vera Foster while working at the same company and they became engaged prior to his induction into the Army in November, 1941. Following his honorable discharge in June, 1945, Robert married Vera on July 7, 1945. Over the years, they raised two children and Robert had a successful career in the corporate world. Robert was particularly proud of his employment with General Electric where he worked for 23 years. He was actively involved with the companys NASA contract as a Cost Estimator which resulted in his transfer from Syracuse, N.Y. to Daytona Beach, Fla. upon the buildup of the NASA manned space program in the 1960s. He was part of a massive team of dedicated individuals who fulfilled President John F. Kennedys goal of landing a man on the moon in July, 1969. Robert retired from G.E. and he and Vera eventually moved to Cibolo, Tx. to be closer to family. Robert loved to work around his house and bird watch. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Vincent and Peter and his beloved wife of 49 years, Vera. He is survived by son Michael Kopatz and wife, Suzanne, daughter Carolyn Eccles and husband, Bill, 6 grandchildren-Michael, Lori, Alyson, Jason, Joshua, Briana and two great-grandchildren, Harrison and Addison. Robert was a loving husband, father and grandfather and very devoted to his family. His presence in our lives will be dearly missed but we are heartened that he is now at peace and is finally reunited with Vera, the love of his life, for eternity. Visitation will be Monday, May 9, 2011, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Schertz Funeral Home, 2217 FM 3009, Schertz, Tx. A chapel service will be held Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 12:00 noon at Schertz Funeral Home with burial following at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans , www.dav.org.
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