William A. Kopta, Jr., of Bethel, Connecticut, died peacefully surrounded by his family on October 9, 2016 at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, Connecticut. He was 68.

He was born on November 22, 1947, in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York. He attended Wilton High School in Wilton, Connecticut, graduating in 1965, and Goddard College in Plainville, Vermont, studying with John Mallery and earning a BA in Design and Construction. In 1974 he married Diane Reid, and together they had 2 children, Rachel (b. 1980) and Joseph (b. 1986). He founded Coastal Woodworking Inc. of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and later worked as a project manager at Innovative Display & Design.

He continued to enjoy recreational sailing throughout his life, and was an active member of Candlewood Yacht Club in New Fairfield, Connecticut. An omnivorous reader, he was passionate about issues of social justice, education, excellence in art and design, and the development of his family members’ interests and passions. Recently, he used his gifts as a designer and builder to create comfortable and sustainable spaces for his family, including the renovation of a 100-year old barn and shed.

In his last days he received exceptional care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and Danbury Hospital in Danbury, Connecticut. William is survived by his wife Diane, children Rachel and Joseph, son-in-law Roy, and grandson Oliver.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Church, 26 Dodgingtown Rd., Bethel, CT, Tuesday, October 18th at 10:30 AM.

The family will receive friends at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, Monday evening, October 17th  from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s name to The Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital, 24 Hospital Avenue, Danbury, Connecticut 06810 or to Patient Care Support at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 5028, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21741-5028.

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