Alfred P. Jopek

Al was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean war. Following his time in the service, he worked for over 34 years at Al-Tech as a grinder. The nature of his job strengthened his hands resulting in a firm handshake to anyone he met. He also maintained a small grape farm all his life. He was proud of his small vineyard and enjoyed the task of tying grapes the most due to family and friends joining him in the work. After his retirement from the steel plant, he filled his days with transporting the Amish. He developed many friendships there and when unable to drive anymore, he enjoyed just spending the day with them. It was not just the Amish, Al was a people person who made friends everywhere he went. The word stranger did not exist in his vocabulary. He was a friend to anyone who crossed his path.

Al was a member of John W. Dill Post #434 in Brocton, New York. He relinquishes the title of oldest member with his death. His passing leaves four remaining Korean War members active in the post. He enjoyed going there and other local establishments for Friday night fish fry. He spent many hours cutting wood even though he never burned wood. When his eyes started to fail, he still enjoyed being involved by pulling the lever of the wood splitter or sitting on the sideline supervising. Al was proud of his Polish heritage and often was found listening or watching Polka music.

He is survived by four children: Cynthia (Stanley) Lang of Marietta, Ohio, Michael Jopek of Hanover, Pennsylvania, Roger (Nancy) Jopek of Westfield, New York and Julie (Jim) Wagle of Chanhassen, Minnesota. His is also survived by six grandchildren: Ruth (Marty) Jellison of Maryland, Elizabeth Lang of Ohio, Timothy (Sarah) Lang of Indiana, Bradley (Jessica) Jopek of Indiana, Markus Jopek of Westfield, New York and Abigail (Michael) Bender of Duquesne, Pennsylvania. He is also served by three great grandchildren along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Nancy Irene Jopek of Arkansas, one brother Leonard Jopek and one sister Dorothy Ostrowski.

A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 49 South Portage Street, Westfield, New York on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Reverend Larry Morrison will officiate. Interment at the Webster Road Cemetery in Fredonia, New York will be private and held at the family’s convenience.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Contributions can be made to John W. Dill Post #434 in Brocton in his name.