John Louis Kopins, 80, of Sandy Hook died June 18 at Danbury Hospital, with his loving wife Yvonne at his bedside. He was born December 11, 1934, in Hague, Va., and was the son of the late Lucinda “Connie” and Howard “Doc” Kopins.

Mr Kopins was an Eagle Scout. He attended Virginia Tech and served in the school’s Corps of Cadets before entering into the gas industry. He worked for AIRCO before joining two partners in Cryo Dyne, a gas distribution company in Danbury. Cryo Dyne became the 17th largest gas distributor in America, and was the first to distribute liquid hydrogen.

After selling Cryo Dyne, Mr Kopins focused his energies on charity work. He was most proud of his service with the Newtown Lions, especially his longtime contributions to the car committee. The Lions’ motto applied to him: He lived to serve. 

A devout Catholic, he attended daily Mass at Newtown’s St Rose Church. He was a loving husband and father, and a friend to many. Mr Kopins was loved and he will be missed by all who knew him. 

His wife Yvonne (Goodridge) Kopins; his children J. Stephen Kopins of Florida, Karen Kopins-Shaw and husband Mark Shaw of Vermont, Susan Charles of Florida, and Joni Carpenter of Southbury; his stepchildren Steven Goodridge and wife Sue of Newtown, Kelly Goodridge and husband Oscar De Los Santos of Newtown, and Lance Goodridge of Wilton; his brother Howard Kopins and wife Joyce of Michigan, his sister Elizabeth and her husband of Florida, and his sister Mary Kopins of South Carolina; 12 grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews survive Mr. Kopins. His son Kevin Kopins preceded him in death.

A private memorial service to honor Mr Kopins is planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, at www.stjude.org.