Francis Chopko, Ph.D.

Francis John Chopko, Ph.D., 89 years old, of South Abington Township, died Friday at Moses Taylor Hospital. He was the husband of Geraldine M. Vesko. The couple were married over 63 years.

Born September 19, 1932, in Dickson City, he was the son of the late John and the late Vera (Kochis) Chopko. He was a graduate of Dickson City High School. He then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania; a master’s degree in Speech and Hearing from Bloomsburg University; a master’s degree in Public School Administration from the University of Scranton; and a doctorate in Education Administration from Pacific Western University in Los Angeles, California.

He taught within the Abington Heights school district for three years. From teaching, he moved into speech and hearing positions: first with Lackawanna County and then as a supervisor of speech and hearing for Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit 19. Prior to his retirement, he was the Director of Special Education for NEIU 19. He was also an active member of the PASR – Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.

He was an active member and usher at Our Lady of the Snows Parish in Clarks Summit. He also participated in the Boy Scouts of America. Having been an Eagle Scout himself, he was a Boy Scout leader with Troop 73 in Mid Valley, and he served on the Scranton Council Advancement Committee. Additionally, he honorably served in the United States Army.

He loved music and played the trumpet in local bands and at weddings. He also knew how to play the accordion and the organ, and he taught lessons. Family meant everything to him. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was an inspiration to all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him, and he will be dearly missed.

Also surviving are two sons: Francis R. and wife Rita, Glenburn; Joseph M., South Abington Township; two daughters: Anne M. Puteri and husband Frank, Scranton; Michele A. Spencer and husband Michael, South Abington Township; a brother: Paul and his wife Carolyn Chopko, Southport, North Carolina; six grandchildren: Alina, Nicholas, and Jessica Chopko; Melissa, Eric, and Nichole Spencer; nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held Thursday at Our Lady of the Snows Parish 301 S. State Street, Clarks Summit, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. to be celebrated by Msgr. Michael J. Delaney, pastor, and Entombment at Fairview Memorial Park in Elmhurst Township, with full Military Honors. The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., 111 Colburn Avenue, Clarks Summit. Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.