Theodore Teddy Kopycinski

Theodore Teddy Kopycinski, formerly of Richmond, Texas, passed away on August 13, 2008, at the age of 95. He was a resident of the DeBakey VA Community Living Center for the last six years where he enjoyed playing dominoes and swapping stories with his fellow vets. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Frank Kopycinski, brothers Max and Alphonse, sisters Verna Kopycinski, Kaz Townsend, and Genevieve Cegelski. He is survived by nephews T.J. Cegelski and wife Dorothy, Dan Cegelski and wife Anita, Ed Cegelski and wife Lynnete, and nieces Maxine Phelan and husband Herb, and Mary Ann Townsend, as well as great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Ted was born June 7, 1913, in Chappel Hill, Texas. In 1928 he moved with his family to the A. P. George Ranch in Richmond, Texas, where his father and family members farmed for the George family. Ted enlisted in the U. S. Army on January 1, 1941, and received basic training at Camp Bowie, Texas. A member of the 1st Ranger Battalion, he was involved in the U. S.military invasion of Africa and Sicily and fought in the 18-day defense of Chiunzi Pass against Herman Goering's Nazi forces. Severely wounded in battle on September 24, 1943, he was evacuated to Africa. For his brave service to his country, Sgt. Kopycinski was awarded the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, the American Service Medal, and a Combat Infantry Badge. After the war, Ted lived in Houston and worked at Reed Roller Bit Company until his retirement. He then moved to Richmond, Texas, where he provided a home for his brother Edward and later his sister Verna. Ted was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus Council # 7445, Richmond, Texas. His Sacred Heart parish family was a mainstay of his enjoyable retirement years in Richmond. On June 6, 2008, Ted was recognized for his 95th birthday at a celebration in his honor as the oldest World War II veteran living at the DeBakey VA Center. Mayor Bill White proclaimed the day Ted Kopycinski Day in Houston. The family wishes to thank the staff of the DeBakey VA Center for their kindness and excellent care of Ted's needs throughout his adult life and especially in his residence at the facility. They also wish to thank nephew Dan Cegelski and wife Anita for their special care of Ted in the last few years. Viewing and visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., with a Rosary service at 7:00 P.M., at Davis- Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B. F. Terry Blvd. , Rosenberg, Texas, 281-341-8800. Funeral Mass will be at Sacred Heart Church on Monday, august 18, 2008at 10:00 A.M...

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Theodore Teddy Kopycinski

June 7, 1913 - August 13, 2008