Anthony Charles ‘Tony’ Kopko

ALLEGANY — Anthony Charles “Tony” Kopko, of 3615 Buffalo Road, Allegany, passed away Monday (Sept. 15, 2025) at Olean General Hospital, after a brief illness.

Tony was born Dec. 19, 1950, in Wilkes-Barre Scranton, Pa., to the late Frank Kopko and the late Anna Kopko. In 1972, despite other plans from Hurricane Agnes, he married the late Barbara Jean Burrows in Eldred, Pa.

He was a graduate of Mansfield University, majoring in theater and drama. Later he received his master’s in education from St. Bonaventure University.

Tony went on to teach English and driver’s education at Olean High School until his retirement in 2004. For many years he served as the yearbook advisor and took great pride in the publications produced for every graduating class.

Tony’s second love was cooking, particularly Polish food with recipes passed on for generations.

In addition to his accomplishments in the classroom, Tony’s first true love was always acting, and he was incredibly proud of his performances over the years. He was a huge supporter of the Olean Theatre Workshop for the Performing Arts, where he loved taking on difficult roles including Mr. Webb in Thorton Wilder’s “Our Town,” — a performance in which you cannot depend on help from your supporting cast.

In later years, he served on the Board of Directors at the Olean Teacher’s and Postal Federal Credit Union, in which he applied his fiscal conservativism to ensure the future success of the establishment.

Surviving are two sons, Jason (Angelina Hinklein) Kopko of Jupiter, Fla. and Patrick Kopko of Olean; three brothers, Francis “Fran” Kopko of Harvey’s Lake, Pa., John “Jack” Kopko of Noxen, Pa. and Joseph “Joe” Kopko of Wyoming, Pa.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 21, 2025) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean. A mass of Christian Burial at St. Bonaventure Church will follow at 9 a.m. Monday (Sept. 22, 2025).  Pastor Chris Emminger will be the celebrant.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Big Dog Ranch Rescue, 14444 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470; The Olean Theater Workshop, 702 Washington St., Olean, NY 14760; or to the American Cancer Society.