Paul Michael Sopko

Paul Michael Sopko, 72, of James Island, SC passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2015 surrounded by his family. Paul was born on July 8, 1942 in Manhattan, NY to the late Bernard John Sopko, Sr. and the late Mary Frances Hricko Sopko. Paul attended Union Junior College in NJ and had a long career as an Electro Mechanical Engineer and spent his retired years as an avid paddler with Dragon Boat Charleston. Fellow paddlers have stated how Paul was an inspiration and model for all, a genuine, nice guy with a sweet soul, who was a great supporter for Dragon Boat Charleston and will be missed. Paul was also an active member of the Board of Directors of the local chapter of the Oral Head & Neck Cancer Alliance at the Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston, SC. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan; a son, Timothy John (Heather Lynne) of Springville, NY; a daughter, Tara Carroll (Dwayne) of Charleston, SC; two grandchildren, Nathanial Kenneth Paul, and Alexia Anne Sopko; a brother, Bernard John Sopko (Elaine) of Tamiment, PA; a sister, M. Anita Fernekes (Robert) of Selbyville, DE; a sister, Debra Colucci (James) of Ogdensburg, NJ; a sister, Marie Roessel (William) of West Trenton, NJ. A memorial service will be held at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island Chapel on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 4:00 pm. The family will receive friends at 3:00 pm, one hour prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to Dragon Boat Charleston, 1643 Savannah Hwy #261, Charleston, SC 29407. Condolences may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com. Arrangements were entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, JAMES ISLAND CHAPEL, 347 Folly Rd., Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.