AMSC Edward J. Sopko USN, (RET)
84, Indianapolis (Hendricks County), passed away at the VA Medical Center Hospital on November 21, 2019. Born in Coaldale, PA, he was the son of the late George and Agnes (Bugay) Sopko, and was a graduate of the former Coaldale High School. He was a Navy Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, his awards consisted of the National Defense Medal, five Good Conduct awards, and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. Edward retired from the Navy as a chief aviation structural mechanic in 1975 after 20 years. Chief Sopko, was one of 76 men recruited from Schuylkill, Carbon area in 1955, to form the Black Diamond Company, the first of several companies comprised of men from the lower anthracite region. They were known as company 76, at the Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland. After Basic Training he served on the following ships, squadrons, and Naval Stations. NTTC Memphis, TN; NAS Brunswick, ME; VF (AW)-4 at NAS ATLANTIC City, NJ; NAS QUONSET POINT, RI; Naval Station, Roosevelt Roads, PR; VC-6; HC-6; and AMD, all at NAS Norfolk, VA; USS Wasp CVS-18; USS Valley Forge CVS-45. Prior to the Navy, he was a member of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, Btry C 337th AAA Bn(Gn)(90mm), located in Tamaqua, PA from 1953 to 1955. After his retirement from the Navy, he worked for Bethlehem Steel, Air Products and Chemicals in Hometown, PA and Yesalonis Air-conditioning, and Refridgeration, Tresckow, PA. He was a member of Brownsburg American Legion Post 331, Disabled American Veterans, Fleet Reserve Association, Retired Enlisted Association, and St. Malachy Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife Regina Sopko; sons Michael Sopko and James (Elizabeth) Sopko; brother Thomas Sopko; grandchildren Sicily, William, Aiden and Adrian. Visitation will be from 9-10am Monday November 25 at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Brownsburg, with funeral mass there at 10am. Burial will follow in St. Malachy Cemetery West, Pittsboro. The family would like to extend a special thanks to everyone at Roudebush VA Medical Center for their honor, care and impeccable treatment of their loved one during their time of loss.