George Michael Sopko, 95, of Chesterland, passed away on May 13, 2021.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on June 17, 2021, at the Gattozzi Funeral Home in Chesterland.
Interment will be conducted at 10 a.m. June 18, 2021, at Riverside Cemetery in Cleveland, with funeral services following at 12 noon at Parkside Church in Bainbridge Township.
George was born in Painesville, to John and Mary Sopko, on Jan. 30, 1926. He graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1942 at age 16, attended one year at The Ohio State University and then was commissioned in the United States Navy at age 17 in order to fight in World War II. He served and was honorably discharged on Sept. 7, 1946, as an Ensign.
George went on to college at Oklahoma State University, majoring in geology. He worked for LPG Credit, Capitol Equipment and for State Farm as a claims adjuster.
George married Mary Agnes Grim in 1950 and they spent 32 years together until she passed away in 1982. He then married Patricia Bailey DeRussy in 1984, in Cleveland, and they spent 34 years together until she passed away in 2018.
George was known as a faithful and devoted husband, loving father, fun grandfather, exceptional American and steadfast supporter of the Cleveland Indians. He was resilient and resourceful in order to overcome obstacles in his life, and worked selflessly to better the station of those he loved. His legacy of service, honesty and kindness is etched into the hearts of those who knew him.
George is preceded in death by his mother, Mary; father, John; wife, Mary Agnes; wife, Patricia Bailey DeRussy; seven sisters; and five brothers.
He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Sopko Kurrell (Dennis); son, Douglas Sopko (former wife Ann); son, Christopher Sopko; stepdaughter, Cheryl DeRussy Saurwein; stepson, Glenn DeRussy (Deborah); grandson, Joshua Sopk; granddaughter, Danica Sopko (Jordan); stepgranddaughter, Anastasia Zeigler Joiner (William); stepgrandson, Daniel Saurwein (Chandra); and three great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters.
Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/chesterland-oh/george-sopko-10194115
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