Patrick Joseph Kopytek

Patrick Joseph Kopytek, of Rochester Hills, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born in Hamtramck, Michigan on March 19, 1952, to the late Walter John and Bernadine Hedwig Kopytek. Beloved brother of Mary (Tom) Klamo and Bruce (Carole) Kopytek. Dearest father of Colleen Green of Tuscon, AZ. and Laura Beth (Jeremiah Lemish) Kopytek of Fort Wayne, IN. Loving grandfather of Dalton Green, Casimir J. Green, Jude Green, and Brennan Green. Cherished Godfather and uncle of Sara (Chris Kapsalis) Klamo and Benjamin (Melissa) Klamo; and uncle of Rachel Klamo and Joseph (Jennifer) Klamo, and step-uncle of Jennifer Goodman and Jesse Goodman. Patrick's devotion to his faith was the cornerstone of his life. A lifelong pillar of the Detroit Catholic community, he lent his voice to the choir and served with dedication as an altar boy at Our Lady of Good Counsel in his youth. His commitment to service extended into his adulthood as a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Plagens Council #13318 and an active member of Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Perhaps the most defining chapter of Patrick's spiritual journey was his deep bond with his mentor, Rev. John Blaska. Patrick was more than just a helper, he was Father Blaska's "Man Friday", a loyal confidant and dear friend. Whether they were catching the latest movie, sharing a meal, or just tackling the day's errands, their friendship was a testament to Patrick's loyalty and their shared devotion. When Father John couldn’t attend a planned trip to Poland, he asked Patrick to go in his place, and Patrick happily accepted. It afforded Patrick the opportunity to visit family and immerse himself in his Polish heritage for the first time. Patrick took immense pride in his education, earning a Bachelor's from Michigan Tech and Master's from Central Michigan. His time in college, however, wasn't spent entirely in the library, he was also a force on the ice. Patrick joined the MTU ROTC’s club hockey team, which would scrimmage against the MTU Varsity team. His love for Michigan Tech Husky Hockey would continue to be a prominent part of his life, and you would often see him sporting his favorite Husky jersey. Following his time in ROTC, Patrick would go on to serve faithfully and honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. Though his time in the Air Force kept him stateside, he carried the discipline and pride of a veteran throughout his life. Despite his professional achievements and military service, Patrick will perhaps be best remembered for his childlike enthusiasm. He was the "fun-uncle"- the one who would immediately drop to the floor to play with his nieces and nephews, matching their energy and imagination stride for stride--a memory that his nephew, Joseph, fondly shared. Patrick was also a very well-read man, who was a bit of a buff when it came to history and military history. The Civil War era was one he found especially intriguing, even getting involved with Civil War reenactments! Patrick was a dearly loved man who will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Patrick will lie instate Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass at Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4440 Russell Street (at Canfield) Detroit. Interment will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Americans for Battlefield Preservation (www.savebattlefields.org) or to the family to be used for settlement of Patrick's final expenses.

Patrick Joseph Kopytek

March 19, 1952 - March 1, 2026