Obituary of Gerald Thomas Kopfman

Gerald Thomas Kopfman, 75, of Canterbury, CT, passed away peacefully Friday at the Backus Hospital in Norwich, while surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Eileen (Bartholomay) Kopfman; they were married June 2, 1962 in The Church of St. Brigid, Brooklyn, NY. He was born on January 21, 1939 in Brooklyn, NY, son of Edward and Violet (Lehmann) Kopfman. He was employed for over 30 years with Computer Science Corporation in Norwich, retiring in 2001. He made his home in Brooklyn, CT for over 24 years, before moving to Canterbury 11 years ago. Throughout his life, Jerry was an active member of his community. He was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson, a member and past exalted ruler of the Danielson Elks 1706, and a 4th Degree Knight and Past Grand Knight with the St. James Council of Knights of Columbus. He served in the US Army from 1956-1959. Jerry was an avid NY Yankees fan and passionate about his golf game. At home he loved to sit on his deck and enjoy watching the birds. Jerry's family was his most prized possession. He was predeceased by his beloved son JR Kopfman in 1983. He leaves in addition to his wife Eileen of 51 years, his children Brenda Bourque and her husband Steven of Canterbury; Theresa Ryan and her companion Sean Brennan of Dayville; his siblings Jean Schaivi of Stafford, VA; Harold Kopfman of Medford, LI, NY; MarieAnn Monsees of Deland, Florida. He was a devoted grandfather and blessed with three grandchildren; Jessica Bourque and companion Timothy Bestor; Steven Bourque, Jr. and his wife Erika; Richie Ryan, III; as well as one great granddaughter Madelyn " Maddie" Bourque. He also leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, godchildren, and treasured friends. He was predeceased by his siblings, Elsie, Frederick, Edward, Jackie, Florence, and Dorothy. The Funeral will be Tuesday at 9:00 AM from the Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street, Danielson, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in St. James Church, 12 Franklin Street, Danielson. Burial in All Hallows Cemetery, Moosup. Calling hours Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Suite 200, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. To share a memory with his family, "Light a Candle" at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com