Michael Paul Kopack, Sr., 79, of Liverpool, New York took his final flight to his eternal home on Friday, January 13, 2023.

Whether you met him on the flightline, out on one of his famous road trips, or over a cold beer, he was quick to laughter and happy to see old and new friends.

Mike was the oldest of 5 children, born to Paul and Anna (Basar) Kopack from Kingston, PA.  His childhood shaped him with the values of hard work and a devotion to family, and by 18 he was itching to see the world.  He enlisted in the Air Force where he showed an exceptional aptitude for languages.  He was sent to Syracuse University to study Russian, and met a young nursing student who would later become his wife.

Working as a linguist in USAF Security Service, Mike was stationed around the world in places like Italy and Pakistan.  During those years, he and his buddies would travel extensively around Europe and make the most of their time away from duty.

Mike married the former Elinor Zahn in 1967, and they raised three children in Central New York. He worked in construction management at Winkrete Construction, then for many years that followed at Miller Brewing Company.

Military aviation photography was a great passion of his throughout life.  He met lifetime friends on the airshow circuit and put thousands of miles on the car traveling up and down the eastern half of Canada and the US, amassing friends and creating photographs that were frequently published and shared with aviation enthusiasts around the world.

As a proud Vietnam veteran, Michael remained active in serving veterans and their causes through the VFW, years of volunteering at the VA hospital in Syracuse and countless shifts as a host of the Military Courtesy Lounge at Hancock International airport.

Mike's greatest love was for his family. He was devoted to volunteering at his children's sporting events, marching band shows and ferrying kids and their friends from one place to another.  He instilled in his family a love of country, travel, wildlife and common sense.

Mike is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elinor Jean, and his children; Michael (Jennifer) Kopack of Angier, NC, Kristen (Bud) Brannock of Raleigh, NC and Elizabeth (Gary) Hudgins of Wake Forest, NC.  Siblings include Arleen Sovak, John Kopack, Ann Derhammer and Paula Martin. The greatest joys of his life were found spending time with his grandsons; Jeb, Lucas, Ian, Michael, Michael Paul, and Benjamin.

Private services will be held.

Donations in Mike's honor can be sent to the Gary Sinise Foundation, P. O. Box 40726, Nashville, TN 37204.

Please sign the funeral home on-line guest book for Michael to express your condolences to his family.