GLOUCESTER: George O. Korpi, 79, died at his home on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, following an extended illness. He was the husband of the late Barbara M. (Hopkins) Korpi, who died in July of 2002. They had shared forty-seven years of marriage.
Born in Rockport on August 27, 1933, he was the son of the late John Jacob and Iiri (Knuuttunen) Korpi. He was a graduate of the Rockport High School class of 1951.
A U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, he served aboard the Destroyer USS Harris. Over the years, he had the pleasure of attending numerous Naval reunions throughout the country.
George was employed by the U.S. Postal service, having been a clerk as well as holding other positions.
He was a fifty-year member of the Loyal Order of Moose Chapter #896, as was his father. He was also a member of the Gloucester Lodge of Elks No. 892 and the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post #3, American Legion.
George enjoyed playing softball and for many years and was a pitcher for the Old Timer’s Tavern and Pratty’s, CAV. In later years, he was the representative for the Moose One Pitch Tournaments. His favorite pastime was going to the Elks daily and playing cards with his friends.
He is survived by a daughter, Donna L. Korpi; son, George O. Korpi, Jr., companion of Mary Capobianco; five grandchildren, Erick Korpi, who he raised from childhood, Krystle Sweeney, Nicholas Murphy, Jason LeBlanc and Lynette LaBonne; great-grandchildren, Kayla and Maggie Auburn, Eric LaBonne, Anastasia Ballou, David Howland, Lydia Gray and Alexander LeBlanc; two brothers, Onni, husband of Helen Korpi, John, husband of Eva Korpi; a sister, Sylvia Makkonen and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Deborah M. Korpi, two sisters-in-law, Ellie Korpi and Jean Pettipas and a brother-in-law, Nilo Makkonen.
His funeral service will be held on Monday morning in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will be held in the Calvary Cemetery.