Koper, Walter Jerome's Obituary
Walter “Walt” Jerome Koper, 92, of Richardson, Texas passed away on February 11,2025 at Medical City Plano Hospital.
Walt was born on March 26,1932 in West Wyoming, Pennsylvania to Adam Koper and Anna (Rutski) Koper. He exemplified hard work and dedication from an early age by working with his father at the coal mine collecting money as the trucks left. He played football in High School earning the nickname “Flash” because he was always running everywhere. He graduated from West Wyoming High School and Syracuse University going on to teach classes on the strength of metal at the Catholic University of Washington DC.
Walt married Dolores (Mesolella) at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in New York City. They were married for 72 years. Walt and Dolores had a special connection and very deep love, they admired and respected each other, talking with the excitement of teenagers even in later years.
The Koper family moved to Texas when Walt took a position as a Quality Control Manager for Collins Radio. After moving to Texas, Walt became a member of the Knights of Columbus and continued to work as a Quality Control Manager at Forney Engineering, Emerson Electronics and Space Division, Motorola Government Electronics Division and E- Systems. After he retired, he began working for the Dallas Morning news where he eagerly stayed for over 20 years.
Walt was the epitome of a family man. He always put everyone else’s wants and needs above his own. After putting in a full day’s work, he would come home, cook dinner and help his kids with their homework while his wife was working retail at night. He was willing to go anywhere to be with the family and looked forward to every family gathering. He absolutely adored his great grandsons, always giving them gifts, keeping up with the latest school and sporting events and attending them when possible. He was extremely passionate about watching all sports and had an almost equal passion for going to the casino, watching Gunsmoke and John Wayne movies.
Walt is survived by his children Walter Koper Jr., Sharon Koper (Charles), Debbie Koper (Cleal), and Mark Koper, grandson John McWilliams (Lana), great grandsons Drake & Kane McWilliams, Sister-in-law Ann Marie Ciampi and many nieces and nephews.
Walt was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, parents Adam and Anna (Rutski) Koper, sisters Hellen Borosky, Stella Antos, Jean Boice and brother’s Adam Koper and Leonard Koper.
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