Kenneth J Koperski Obituary – Colton, CA (1947-2024)

Kenneth J. Koperski, a loving husband, father, Dzia Dzia (grandfather), brother-in-law, uncle, godfather and friend, passed away on April 2, 2024. Ken was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, and spent his life in Colton, California. He graduated from Seneca Vocational High School in Buffalo in 1965 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1966. During his four years of service he rose to the rank of Sergeant/Ground Power Support. In 1968, Ken met the love of his life, Anita, while stationed at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. They married on June 20, 1970 and enjoyed 53 wonderful years together. In 1976 they moved to Colton where they built their lives and raised their family. Ken attended Long Beach City College, earned his AA in Science while working various jobs including Long Beach Naval Ship Yard, Weyerhaeuser Distribution, Colton Cement Plant, and retired after 20 years from Fruit Growers Supply in Ontario . Ken was a devout Catholic and a 47-year member of Immaculate Conception Church in Colton. He took an active part in community life, serving as Colton’s Citizen of the Year in 1983 and as a city councilman in his final years. He was proud of his city and heavily involved in organizations such as the American Legion Post 155, Colton Knights of Columbus and Fraternal Order of Eagles in Riverside. Preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mary Koperski and stepmother Irene Koperski, Ken is survived by his beloved wife Anita, his children Mike (Maria), Gabe (Erica), Lisa (Roger) and Renee (Michael), 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed as ‘Hunny/Dad/Dzia Dzia’, and his legacy of love and community lives on. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 23, with a viewing from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a Rosary and Mass at noon at Immaculate Conception Church, 1106 N. La Cadena Dr., Colton, and burial at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E. Washington St., Colton.