Martin R. "Chick" Kopka

AUBURN - Martin R. “Chick” Kopka, 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at UMass Memorial – University Campus.  A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, coach, and friend. Chick lived a life of service, community, and joy.

Born in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1937, Chick moved to Auburn with his parents in 1951 and graduated from Auburn High School in 1956. He was a three-sport star player in football, hockey, and baseball. He was an all-state selection in Hockey and was inducted into the Auburn High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Chick proudly served in the U.S. Army for two years before dedicating 35 years to Mass Electric, where he formed lifelong friendships. A pillar of the Auburn community, Chick coached Auburn Little League baseball for 26 years and American Legion baseball. From 1987 to 1994, he served as head coach of the Clark University baseball team, where he coached his son for three of those memorable years. Chick especially loved connecting with his players, particularly during their yearly spring training trips to Cocoa Expo in Cocoa, Florida, where many iconic stories were brought to life.

Chick is survived by his son, Patrick Kopka, and his wife, Nancy (Shea) Kopka, of Hollins, Virginia. Chick adored his two grandsons, Jack and Nick Kopka, and cherished every moment he spent with them, especially playing cribbage with Jack.

He also leaves behind his loving siblings: brothers John (Pauline) and Kevin (Caprice) and sister Valerie Grabicki (James). He will be fondly remembered by his in-laws: Paul and Kay Malkasian and Judy Sherry. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, their children, and countless close friends from Auburn.

Chick was predeceased by his parents, John Kopka (1990), and Dorothy (Johnson) Kopka (1997). As well as his brother, Bruce Kopka (1986), brother-in-law George Sherry, in-laws George and Catherine Sherry, and his cherished wife of 53 years, Patricia (Sherry) Kopka (2019).

An avid Auburn High School sports fan, Chick enjoyed attending games with his late wife, Patricia. Even after her passing, he continued to attend games until his death, despite the challenges of getting there in recent years—a testament to his enduring love for the community and its teams.  He also had a deep passion for the Red Sox and enjoyed trips to Los Angeles with his family.

Chick was truly one of a kind. Known for the twinkle in his eye and his mischievous sense of humor, he could bring a smile to any room and always had a quick-witted remark or story to share. His will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 11 from 1 PM to 4 PM in the Great Hall at Pakachoag Church, 203 Pakachoag St, Auburn, MA. 

Arrangements are in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to VIA (Virginia Institute of Autism) Centers for Neurodevelopment (https://viacenters.org/make-a-gift/), where Chick’s grandson Nick is a student. If someone prefers to mail a check, they can make it out to VIA and send it to them at 491 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901.

Rest in peace, Chick—you will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.