John S. “Zit” Sopko
Passed away peacefully, with his loving family by his side, at his home Monday June 9, 2025. Age 65.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, together for 46 Pam (nee Baker) Sopko, his daughters Penny (Andrew) Smith and Tiffany Sopko (Miguel Guerrero) and his son Jay (Rebecca) Dziuban, his grandchildren John ‘Bubs’ (Kristi) Quintero, Merisa Quintero (Matthew Navarre), Jessica “Elijah” Beyer, Avie Guerrero, Starlett Dziuban (Justin), and Tabatha Dziuban (Chris), Shelby Smith, and Payton Smith, his great grandchildren Kaden, Kenzie, Theo, Maddox, M.J., Mylah Mae, Maverick, Maddie, Melea, Linkyn, Emma, Allison, Kamden, Ariella, and Dean. his brothers Mike (Georgene) Sopko, Greg Sopko, and Anthony (Rhonda) Sopko, his sisters Michelle (Tim) Norris and Kathy Sopko (Greg), his in-laws and extended family John Norman, Robin Baker, Barbiejo Dillard, Antoniette (Ronald) Fuhrman, Steven Baker, Greg (Amy) Baker, Gail Baker, Kim (Tom) Corbett, Missy Baker, Larry Baker, Richard (Teresa) Baker, and Robert (Stephanie) Baker, his numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, his God children Gina ‘B’ Norris and Jessica Ray, his best friends Tim Norris, Gene and Carol Novak, Annette Dillard, Barb Tibble, and Terry and Tina Kosicek.
He is preceded in death by his mother Anna (Tapella) Sopko, his father Michael J. Sopko, his grandparents Anthony Tapella, Frances (Theobold) Tappella, Michael A. Sopko, and Suzanna (Lucayi) Sopko, his mother and fathers in-law Barbara (Wheaton) Skoff, Anthony Skoff Jr., Larry Baker, sister-in-law Lorie Norman, his God child Patty Paluga, and his friends Gary Hardie, Cheada DiSera, and Rick Dillard.
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John was a loving husband, father and grandfather who cherished every moment with his loved ones. His favorite things included playing with grandchildren and great grandchildren, singing and dancing. Enjoyed being outdoors, out in the sun and gardening, drawing and enjoying all genres of music. He loved laughing with and talking to those around him. He was known to be incredibly neighborly, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and using his skills as a handy-man. John retired from Industrial Railway Services after a dedicated forty years.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday June 19, 2025 11:00 AM at the Carlson Holmquist Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road. Visitation Wednesday from 2-8PM. In lieu of flowers memorials to Lightways Hospice will be appreciated. For information call (815) 744-0022 or visit chsfuneral.com.
