Robert D. Copeland, Sr., 79

CHESHIRE, Mass. —  

Mr. Robert Donald Copeland, Sr, 79, of Cheshire, died Saturday afternoon, November 26, 2022 at his home. He was born in North Adams on November 29, 1942, a son of the late James A. and Lena C. (Champagne) Copeland. He attended the former St. Joseph Elementary School and graduated from the former St. Joseph High School in 1960 and from Berkshire Community College in 1961. Bob worked in the Ordnance Division of General Electric Co. in Pittsfield until retiring in 1994. and last worked at Advanced Auto Parts in Pittsfield. He had also worked at the former Sprague Electric Co., James Hunter Machine Co., JC Penney Co. and Callanan Industries. Bob had served as a police officer with the Clarksburg Police Department for five years, and for the Cheshire Police Department for 20 years, until retiring in 2007. He was an active communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Cheshire, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, Funeral Acolyte and had been a former member of the Parish Council. He was a member of the Massachusetts Police Association, the Cheshire Police Association, the Night Cruzers Car Club and Knights of Columbus Council 230. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had played softball for many years. An avid car enthusiast, he loved working around cars, NASCAR and drag racing events at Lebanon Valley Speedway. He was particularly fond of his mint-condition 1974 Pontiac GTO and bringing it to car shows and national car events throughout the New England states.

He is survived by his life partner and caregiver, Joan Bator of Cheshire; his sons Robert Copeland, Jr. and his wife Brenda of Jacksonville, NC, Wayne Copeland and his wife, Pam, of Adams, and Clifford Copeland and his wife Dina of North Adams; his daughter Angela Copeland of Williamstown; 17 grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his sons Thomas and Trey Copeland, his grandson Kevin, his brother Charles Copeland and his sister Carol Brien. Bob’s family would like to thank the staff of HospiceCare in the Berkshires for their care and support during Bob’s illness. The funeral will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1st at 8:45 AM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Cheshire. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery, North Adams. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Wearing of face masks will be optional. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pop Cares, PO Box 482, Williamstown, MA 01267. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com