Michael J. Kopec, 82, passed away on December 8, 2021.

Born to Michael and Agnes Kopec on August 13, 1939 in Passaic, New Jersey, he grew up in New Jersey until the family moved to Jamesport, NY in 1947.

After graduating from Riverhead High School in 1957, Michael enrolled at Union College earning five-year dual degrees in 1962 in mechanical engineering and economics. Shortly after joining Johnson & Johnson, Michael was drafted into the US Army and completed two years of active-duty service.

Returning in 1965, Michael joined the Vick Manufacturing Division of Richardson-Merrell Inc. as a production supervisor and rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Manufacturing for the Vicks Healthcare Division by 1976. This period also included completing additional studies at UNC Chapel Hill earning accreditation from the Executive Program of Professional Management Education. In 1978, Michael joined Carter-Wallace Inc. as the Corporate Vice-President of Manufacturing and then President, Manufacturing which he held until his retirement in 2001.

While very active in business, Michael was also dedicated to several civic and professional organizations. He found great pride in his long tenure of service to the AMA Manufacturing Council and his involvement in Junior Achievement in Greensboro where he served two years as a company advisor and then two years on the board of directors. Michael was also a longtime member of The Bedens Brook Club in Skillman, NJ joining in 1981.

For all his accomplishments, the greatest day of his life by far was when he married Barbara Ann Gury in June of 1980 and became the proud stepfather of Glenn, Andrew, and Scott.

Michael’s life will be honored by his family and friends, especially his beloved wife, Barbara, his dear stepsons Scott, Glenn and his wife, Marilyn, Andrew and his wife, Lisa, as well as his cherished grandchildren including Ryan and his wife, Sarah, Troy Anna, Lindsey, Daniel, and Matthew, and his treasured great-grandchildren including Michael and Ruby.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to Covenant House in NYC at https://ny.covenanthouse.org/.