Gary R. Kopasz “Papa G”, age 73 of Mentor, passed away January 17, 2025 at Highland Pointe Health Center with his family by his side. He was born August 2, 1951 in Cleveland to the late Stephen Jr. and Matilda Kopasz.
Gary grew up in Willowick, OH and attended Eastlake North High School. He started his working career at General Motors in Cleveland and also worked at the Lordstown and Columbus plants. He went onto work for Stamco Industries and retired from International Hydraulics Inc. in Mentor in 2013.
Gary was an avid coin and model car collector. He loved to shop. He went on weekly shopping trips with his daughter. His daughter was his world. In 2007, Gary became a Grandpa “Papa” to a beautiful baby girl, his “Princess”. In 2008, he was blessed with a grandson whom he called “Papa’s Buddy Boy”. He’d refer to him as the son he never had. He loved doing anything and everything for his grandbabies. He especially enjoyed attending their sporting events and competitions. Gary also enjoyed the holidays, birthday parties and summer cookouts. He was the life of the party and had a great sense of humor. His jokes and hours of entertainment will be deeply missed.
Gary was the loving father of Shannon (Dino) Capra; beloved grandfather of Sienna and Dino Capra; brother of Joyce Workman; uncle of Jonathan, Jordan (Season) and Karlie Workman, and Dallas Domenech; great uncle of Kaiden, Lillian, Madilyn and Brooklynn; he was also survived by his best friend and former wife Debbie (Mark Polley) Barone.
A private burial will be held at All Souls Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Painesville.
Painesville Location
1000 Mentor Avenue Painesville, Ohio 44077
Willoughby Location
38001 Euclid Avenue Willoughby, Ohio 44094
Mentor Location
6330 Center Street Mentor, Ohio 44060
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