Richard Sopinski's Obituary
Richard Sopinski, 77, passed away on December 22, 2024 at his home in Delray Beach, FL after a valiant battle with heart disease. He was born on April 17, 1947 to parents Joseph and Rose Sopinski in Philadelphia, PA. For 50 years he was the beloved husband of Diane Burlando Sopinski. Richard is survived by his sister Diane and brother-in-law Peter Boyer, brother-in-law Albert Burlando , sister-in-law Linda and brother-in-law Peter Lewald, loving cousins Eugene "Geno", Linda, Christine, Liliana, Gabriella, Robert, Josie, Debbie, Donna Marie and Kim L. In addition, his loving goddaughters Andrea, Siobhan, Danielle, loving nieces Blythe, Taylor, Amelia, Isme, Donna, Lori, Alexa, Jenna, Nicole, Emerson, Madeline, Mia, Sara, Saoirse and Maya too. Loving nephews Mike Q., Michael, Matthew, Brian, Rashad, Matt R. Will, Miles, Jared, Julian and Sunny too. Also, his longtime loyal friends Howard and Cathy Smith, Howie and Kim and family, Ed and Joan Hoplamazian and Heidi, Ray and Jill Fitch and horse big Red, Bobby and Judith Kiriloff, Jim Hertl, Jim Nelson, Bill Benak and Barbara and Albert Albanese. All the family, extended family and friends deeply mourn him, who were blessed by his remarkable presence. Though Richard is no longer with us, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
After graduating George Washington High School in Philadelphia, PA, Richard enlisted with the U.S. Air Force and received an Honorable Discharge after four years stationed in Mountain Home A.F. Base in Boise, Idaho. Thereafter he moved back to Philadelphia, PA and worked in the construction industry. He completed and received a certification as a journeyman carpenter in construction and joined the Philadelphia local Union 122. In 1977, Richard and Diane moved to Delray Beach, FL and Richard pursued the field of construction throughout his life until his retirement.
In his free time, Richard volunteered as an assistant softball coach for Jr. high school age teens in the local Palm Beach area. He was a huge Philly Flyers hockey fan, attended several games, and an avid Philly Eagles fan, especially the Phillie Phanatic mascot! He enjoyed taking trips to Atlantic City's various casinos as well as a men's only gambling trip with buddy
Howard to Las Vegas, NV. Richard and Diane took many gambling trips to one of their favorite places in Biloxi and Gulfport, MS with family and friends from time to time.
In recent years battling with his health issues, he looked forward to going with cousin Geno to the Hollywood Hard Rock Casino while Richard rode his scooter and found their favorite Let it Ride table, and then off to playing slots; certainly a day of fun!
He cherished his time with family and friends and was a man with a larger-than-life personality and a heart full of love. He loved to give nicknames to his nieces and nephews. His sense of humor was boundless. His memory will live on in the many moments of happiness and laughter he brought to those around him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following organizations of your choice:
· The American Heart Association
· St. Jude’s Children's Hospital
· The Humane Society of the U.S.
Thank you and with love from Diane Sopinski and the entire family
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