Kenneth Peter Kopley

Ken Kopley, a beloved husband, father, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2024, with his wife of 48 years by his side.  Ken was a remarkable individual, possessing a myriad of talents and a humble commandof them.  He was a Jack of all trades and unassuming master of all. His profound intelligence was matched only by his generosity in sharing knowledge and skills with others.  He was deeply committed to his family, inspiring and encouraging those around him to independently reach their fullest potential.  With a quick wit and affinity for clever one-liners, known affectionately as "Kenny-isms," Ken brought levity and laughter to every situation. He embraced life with a carefree spirit, never burdened by the trivialities or worries of the world.

Born in Fitchburg, Ken was the eldest child of Peter and Stamata Kopley. He fondly recalled the memories of his youth, regaling friends and family with tales, like the time hiked Mt. Washington to ski Tuckerman’s Ravine in a snowstorm. Ken was a double-falcon and former faculty of Fitchburg State University, earning a Bachelor of Science and Technology in 1974 and aMaster'sin Educationin 1980. He taught electricity, electronics, machinery, and industrial arts before venturing into industry. A patternmaker by trade, for thirty years he owned and operated Ken Kopley Enterprises, a company in Hubbardston, MA, renowned for its ability to tackle complex projects that others deemed impossible.
 

In 1976, Ken married Joan Ward, and together they created a vibrant home on Winter Street in Gardner, MA, where they raised five children. The neighbors became family and the revolving door of Winter Haven opened to a home brimming with activity and excitement.  The Winter Street gang affectionately referred to the neighborhood as “Kenny’s World”.  Ken's energetic spirit infused every gathering with adventure. He encouraged his children to pursue excellence in everything and instilled his relentless work ethic and confidence to do anything.  He lovingly carried this to his grandchildren, making time to teach important life skills, like engineering the winning car in the Scout’s Pinewood Derby.  His opinion on any subject was readily offered upon request, but he never took it personally if his advice was not followed; he was content to support his children through the consequence of their decisions - good or bad. He eagerly celebratedhis offspring’sslightest achievements, with parties complete with a lamb roasting on a spit in the backyard.
 

In retirement, Ken returned to his passion for education, imparting his wisdom teaching industrial arts at various institutions, including Fitchburg State University. He approached every endeavor with enthusiasm, dedication, and precision, whether on the tennis court, in the shooting range, hunting, or amidst the camaraderie of fellow ski enthusiasts at Mt. Snow.  He met old and new friends on the mountain chair, and it was not surprising to run into a friend of Ken’s 3,000 miles from home. Ken was accepting of all and easily made, kept, and valued friendships.  He willingly gave freely of his time and talent, sharing the intricacies of home improvement or fundamentals of starting a business.  He would arrive to complete a task with his own tools, always having the right one for the job, because if he didn’t have it, you didn’t need it.  Ken was also talented in the arts, especially woodworking.  Many are lucky enough to have a hand-crafted functional piece of art he made with love.

Ken was the guiding force of the Kopley family. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him, but his memory will be cherished by his loving family and friends. Each year, they will continue to gather at his vacation home in Eastham, a place rich with memories of shared adventures and laughter. Ken is survived by his devoted wife, Joan; his five children, Kali, Thea, Elise, Peter, and Joseph; his beloved children-in-law, Will, Kirk, and Michele; and his adored grandchildren, Petra, Kenton, Amara, Winslow, Kenneth, James, and Theodore. 

Visiting hours will be held at 10:30 am the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church located at 1319 Main Street in Fitchburg on Monday, March 11, 2024, with a funeral service held thereafter at 12:30 pm. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Fitchburg.  In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Ken’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Industrial Arts Alumni Scholarship at Fitchburg State University.Donations may be mailed to Fitchburg State University Foundation, 160 Pearl St, Fitchburg, MA 01420, please include Ken’s name on the memo line. Gifts can also be made online at; https://alumni.fitchburgstate.edu/g/industrial-arts.

In loving memory of Ken, the family invites you to share your cherished memories, anecdotes or “Kenny-isms” at the funeral home site, www.lcafh.com, in honor of his remarkable life and legacy.