Anthony Sopko

September 16, 1923 - March 24, 2011

A retired Master Electrician and distinguished veteran of World War II, Anthony (Tony) Sopko, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, March 24, at Sunset House in Toledo. Born September 16, 1923, Tony was a professional electrician for almost 40 years until his retirement in 1988. A member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 8, he worked on some of the early building projects to help revitalize downtown Toledo, as well as a variety of major power generating plants along Lake Erie. Additionally, toward the end of his professional career he was an instructor at Penta Career Center where he taught classes on residential wiring. The son of George and Mary Sopko, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia and settled in Toledo, Tony grew up on the east side; was the 10th of 14 children, and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1941. After graduation, Tony entered the Army while the United States was involved in World War II. He served as an infantryman/anti-tank gunner with the 66th Infantry Division (Black Panther Division), 264th Infantry Regiment, attaining the rank of Corporal. On February 4, 1944 he was awarded the Bronze Star for exemplary conduct in ground combat during the Rhineland Campaign in the European Theater. When the war ended he continued to serve in the Army of Occupation until his honorable discharge on June 17, 1946. Tony was scheduled to cross the English Channel on the SS Leopoldville, but was reassigned at the last minute and crossed on the SS Chesire. During the Leopoldville's crossing, it was torpedoed and sank several miles from Cherbourg, with almost all onboard losing their lives. He often spoke of other different war experiences, including the nine months he spent in Northern France without seeing the inside of a building and the Thanksgiving Day he ate pigeon. After the war he met Carol Hackett and the two were married. Together they had four boys and resided in Toledo near St. Agnes Parish. Tony was preceded in death by his wife who passed away in 1979. In addition to his ongoing support of the Toledo Opera and involvement with numerous Church activities and functions, Mr. Sopko was an amateur history scholar with a particular interest in the great wars of the 20th century. He also enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren and was an avid New York Yankee and Notre Dame fan. “He was a good father, husband and soldier who made important contributions during his life, and will be very much missed by his family,” said his son, Paul Sopko. Surviving are his four sons, George (Marcine), Anthony M.(Kim), John (Darlene) and Paul (Patty); sisters Rosalie and Cecilia; three step-children; and 9 grandchildren. Friends are invited to visit from 2-8 p.m. Sunday in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Prayers will begin at 10:20 a.m. Monday, from the funeral home followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., in St. Joseph Church, 628 Locust Street, Toledo. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. The family suggests tributes to Tony be directed to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, P.O. Box 790,Toledo, OH 43697