QUEENSBURY --- Michael F. Choppa, 89, of Queensbury, passed away peacefully, Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, at his home with his family by his side.
Born Jan. 25, 1924, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Vincenzo and Carolina (Fusco) Cioppa.
Michael was raised Catholic and graduated from St. Mary's High School.
He married Betty Sage in May, 1959. They resided in South Glens Falls, where they raised their family.
On Feb. 1, 1943, Michael enlisted in the United States Army, serving during World War II in the Army 7th Battalion in Africa and Europe and was honorably discharged as Corporal Oct. 6, 1945.
He worked for D&H Railroad, Daggetts Vending Co., and Queensbury Country Club.
A few of his enjoyments were golfing, horseracing, and watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Jay Leno. Above all, Michael loved spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by his wife, Betty Choppa, and five siblings, Ralph, John, Mary, and Flora Choppa, and Yolanda Morris.
Survivors include his daughter, Sheryl Dirks and her husband, Daryl, of Yuba City, Calif., and Lisa Benton and her husband, George, of Queensbury; one son, Michael Choppa of Colchester, Vt.; seven grandchildren, Michael Dirks of Yuba City, Calif., Emily Benton Stewart of Burlington, Vt., Samantha and Madalyn Choppa of New York City, and Ashleigh, Kassandra, and Michaela Choppa of Queensbury; one sister, Valencia Choppa of Glens Falls; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, John and Gladys Jablonski of Rhode Island; also several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call upon the family Monday, Nov. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury. South Glens Falls American Legion Mohican Post No. 553 will perform a brief ceremony at 6:15 p.m.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Deacon Bill Bazinet officiating.
Burial, with military honors, will follow the service at St. Mary's Cemetery, South Glens Falls.
Friends are then invited to join the family for a gathering to celebrate Michael's life at Carl R's Restaurant following interment.
Donations, in loving memory of Michael, may be made to Purrs and Paws Cat Shelter, 3857 Rte. 9L, Lake George, NY 12845.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Larry Greenberg and Sue McCoy, special neighbors.
Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.