Obituary of Wayne Kopacz Sr.

Wayne Kopacz Sr., 74, of Jenkins Twp. passed away Wednesday July 15, 2026, at home. He was born in Wilkes-Barre the son of the late Peter and Betty Williams Kopacz. Wayne graduated from E.L. Myers High School, class of 1969. He was a self-employed carpenter for many years. Wayne was a lifelong Los Angeles Chargers and Penn State fan. He watched their games faithfully and enjoyed going to Beaver Stadium to cheer on Penn State. Wayne was a proud grandfather and cherished his grandchildren who called him Pop Pop. He is now reunited with his wife Julie, and they will be together forever as he always wanted. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Julie Ann “Julie” McGraw Kopacz. Survived by his son, Wayne Kopacz Jr. and his partner Sheri Bryk, Pittston, daughter, Lori Ryder and her husband Michael, Summerville, S.C., grandchildren, Kyra Kopacz and her partner Aaron Pekar, Nathan Ryder, Katie Kopacz, Evan Ryder, and brother Ronald Kopacz. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M. Monday July 20, 2026, from Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home 89 Park Ave. Wilkes-Barre. Interment will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hanover Twp. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made by visiting Wayne’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com