George "Ken" Kenneth Copella Jr.

GEORGE “KEN” COPELLA JR., 92 of Sidney, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 9:10 AM at his residence with family by his side.

Ken was born on September 8, 1932, in Philadelphia, PA to the late George Kenneth Copella Sr. And Florence (Wonderling) Copella.

He married Joan (Maier) Copella of Sidney on June 21, 1958. She preceded him in death in October, 2022. They were members of Holy Angels Catholic Church.

Ken is survived by his three children: Tim (Roberto) Copella, Kevin (Kathy) Copella, Beth (Greg) Larger; his brother-in-law George Carrick (Marie deceased), sisters-in-law Carolyn (Ron) Miller, Janet (Bob) Born.   Grandchildren: Katie (Josh) Hotze, Andrea (Evan) Bartow, John Copella; Nathan (Alexandria) Davis, Natalie (Alex) Meyer, Dan (Jessica) Davis, Andrea (Bryan) Gray, and Laura (Blake) Fox and 16 great-grandchildren.   Also preceded in death by sister-in-law Marilyn “Sis” Kemper and brother-in-law Elton Kemper, stepfather Harold Traister Sr., half-sister Sandy Traister and half-brother Harold Traister, Jr. 

Ken was a servant of God and a devout Catholic.  He was a church lector and usher for many years.  He served on many Holy Angels committees: President of Parish Council, President of School Board, Parish Finance Committee, Parish Picnic Co-Chairman for nine years, Maintenance Committee, original Archdiocese Fund Raising Committee, selling football and basketball game tickets at Lehman Catholic High School, driving school bus for Lehman and Holy Angels functions for 18 years.

Ken graduated from Penn State University with a Civil Engineering degree.  He began working at ODOT, which was located in the Ohio Building downtown Sidney. His career had him involved in many major road projects including St. Rt.’s 29 and 47 and interstates 70 and 75.  He later became District Engineer Director of District 7 in 1981 and retired in 1991 with 36 years of service.  He loved working for ODOT. 

He was active in the local chapter of Professional Engineers that led him to be named regional vice president for the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers and then was elected President of the State Society. He was so honored.

He was a member of Shelby County Bowling Association - Secretary: Midwestern Chapter of Ohio Society.  3rd and 4th degree of Knights of Columbus since 1956 and 1958.  Treasurer, Grand Knight and District Deputy Sidney Council; Exalted Ruler of Sidney Lodge 786 of Elks. Ohio Society of Professional Engineers regional vice president and president; National Society of Professional Engineers member; Registered Licensed Professional Engineer in Ohio from 1958 to 2008.

Ken was a loving father and husband.  He was a very good businessman and was very loyal to his many friends and family.  You could always count on him if you needed anything. 
 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Holy Angels Catholic Church with Fr. John W. Tonkin officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Sidney. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 8:30 AM-10:00 AM at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to tuition funds to Lehman Catholic High School, 2400 St. Marys Ave., Sidney, OH or Holy Angels School, 120 E. Water St. Sidney, OH.  Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cromesfh.com