Michael William Dopilka

Mr. Michael William Dopilka, 89, of Troutman, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Autumn Care of Statesville, NC.

Mr. Dopilka was born January 16, 1931 in Phillipsburg, NJ, son of the late Andrew and Anastasia Peratiatko Dopilka.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dale Andrew Dopilka, brothers John and Joseph Dopilka and sister Olga Laubach.  He is survived by one daughter, Sheila Dopilka Riddell and husband Michael of Troutman, his sister-in-law Elsie Dopilka and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former wife, Rita Elm Gallagher.

Mr. Dopilka was a graduate of St. Philip and St. James High School, Phillipsburg, NJ.  He received his Chemical Engineering degree from Lehigh University.  He served honorably in the US Air Force as a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Defense Command during the Korean Conflict.  He retired from Arco Chemical in Beaver County, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Dopilka was active in his church and community. He was a longtime member of St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in Center Township, PA, where he served as a Eucharistic minister, catechism teacher and member of the Holy Name Society and Serra Club.  He was a member of H.O.P.E (Helping Other Parents Endure the loss of a child) and Compassionate Friends of Beaver County.

Mr. Dopilka had many varied interests throughout his life. As a teenager, he raised homing pigeons and played high school football and baseball. He was a sports fan, especially enjoying hockey, then NASCAR in his later years. He also enjoyed photography and music of all types. His greatest joy was spending time with his son and best friend Dale.

He moved to North Carolina in 2013 to be near his daughter, residing at Atria (Brookdale Churchill) Assisted Living and attending St. Therese Catholic Church.

A private family graveside service will be held at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park in Rochester, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh or the March of Dimes.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.             

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