Obituaries
Obituary: Albert J. Kopczyk
His legacy of generosity and warmth will live on in all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Albert J. Kopczyk
Albert J. Kopczyk, age 68, of Joliet, Illinois, passed unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. Al was born on April 11, 1957, in Sanok, Poland, to the late Janina Haduch and John Kopczyk. He immigrated to the States with his family and settled in Chicago, where he was raised and educated. He was a graduate with the class of 1975 from Kelly High School.
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On August 28, 1983, Al married Cheryl L. Gotautas. In addition to Cheryl, his loving wife of 42 years, Al is also survived by his brother, Andrew (Anna) Kopczyk; two sisters, Yancha Brodzicki and Czeslawa Mazur; niece and nephews, Kasia (Del) Holder, Peter (Barb) Kopczyk and Kris (Kelly) Kopczyk, Greg Mazur and Lisa (Michael)Miles; great nieces and nephews, Jacob (Hannah), Celeste, Joshua and Abigail.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Anthony Kopczyk.
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Al retired a few years back from a long career as an auto body tech, which he picked up after years of working at the Archer Fish Market. He loved nature, fishing, hunting, and listening to his favorite heavy metal bands.
Everyone who met Al became a friend; he had many friendships that began when he came to this country during the 6th grade and are still strong to this day. In sharing Al’s passing, here are some of the things people had to say:
“Albert was a great guy. I am heartbroken to hear the news. Al wasn’t just a mentor to me during my teenage years; he was a true friend. He never hesitated to help, never said no when I needed guidance, and always showed up with kindness and wisdom. I have so many fond memories of him that will forever remind me of the incredible person he was. Al touched so many lives, and his legacy of generosity and warmth will live on in all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”
“Al was a very likable person, gently willing to help, no question asked, liked by everyone. I can remember when I was in high school and he helped me with my drafting. He taught me how to be a responsible person. All the things he and Wes did to me made me who I am today. They treated me like I was their little brother, and I’m very grateful.”
“He was an integral and deeply loved member of the Rock Run Dr family.”
Visitation for Albert J. Kopczyk will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. A service of remembrance will begin at 3:00 p.m.
As it was Al's wish, cremation rites will be accorded following his services.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
