GLOUCESTER: A. Michael “Tasey” Kopanon, 80, a Gloucester native, died unexpectedly on Saturday, November 16, 2013, while on vacation in Florida. He was the husband of Judith D. (Benham) Kopanon. They had shared 47 years of marriage.
Born in Gloucester on June 9, 1933, he was the son of the late Michael and Camille (Masura) Kopanon. He was a member of the Gloucester High School Class of 1951 and a recipient of the Sawyer Medal. He attended Babson College on a personal scholarship from Roger Babson, and received a law degree from the New England School of Law. He served two years overseas in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Fürth, Germany.
A lifelong resident of Gloucester, Tasey will be remembered for his sharp intellect, innumerable acts of generosity and love of family. He was a daily source of advice for many and his willingness to help was a trademark. He was the first to notice when something was needed and knew intuitively how to help in concrete and meaningful ways. He lived life with a great passion for knowledge and competition, he will be deeply missed.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his children, Susan and Thomas O’Connell of Hingham, Sandy and Walter Palmer of Rockport, and Kevin and Martha (Lynch) of Hingham; he was the proud grandfather of nine of his greatest fans, Mackenzie O’Connell, Morgan O’Connell, Cameron O’Connell, Brett O’Connell, Sophie Palmer, Coalter Palmer, Sarah Palmer, Camilla Kopanon and Jasper Kopanon, who will never forget their memories with him on “Tasey’s Beach.” He has also left behind his siblings, Stella Gallant and her husband, Bob of Winchester, Christopher Kopanon and his wife Joan, of Gloucester, Peter Kopanon of Essex and Nicholas Kopanon of Deltona, FL as well as many nieces and nephews who were a big part of his life.
In keeping with his wishes, funeral services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Helping Hands Foundation, http://www.helpinghandsgroup.org/donations.