Donald Eugene Collopy

Donald Eugene Collopy, age 73 of Hamilton, loved life and fought a courageous battle to live to the last moment. Don’s last battle was waged at Ft. Hamilton Hospital from August 17th through 30th 2007 until the final victory was won at 8:55 AM, where in the presence of family he joined his Lord and who welcomed him to his eternal home. For 19 years he fought his way through heart surgery, skin and lung cancers. Each time Don returned to his favorite activity of golf at Twin Run with John and Sally Small, his brother Jim, and numerous golf buddies. He was born in Hamilton on August 8, 1934 the son of Cornelius "Con" and Helen (Bock) Collopy. He was a member of The Salvation Army. A deep mutual love was shared between Don and his wife, Wilma, (who he married on July 19, 1952) his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, other family members, and a host of friends. A void will be present, but a greater memory of love will always exist in the hearts of those who knew Donald Eugene Collopy.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma J. Collopy of Hamilton; two sons, Donald E. Collopy II of Corrizozo, New Mexico and Lawrence A. "Larry" (Mae) Collopy of Franklin; a daughter, Janice A. (Steven) Howard of London, England; five grandchildren, Donald E. Collopy III, Christina Irene Collopy, Michelle Lynne Collopy, Samuel Jacob Collopy, and Philip Michael Howard; three great-grandchildren, Arius Collier, Oscar Broshear, and Lydia Lynne Broshear; a brother, James "Jim" Collopy of Hamilton; and a sister, Betty Knodel of Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Russell Collopy, William "Bill" Collopy, Robert "Bob" Collopy and John "Jack" Collopy; and two sisters, Mary Katherine Collopy and Marjorie Vaughn.

Words of appreciation are extended to doctors, Thomas X. Aufiero, Kenneth A. Kesler, Ronald I. Reisman, Joseph G. Daddabo, Ralph Wright, Paula F. Weisenberger, Harry Davin, and Kenneth L. Wehr. Also to a host of nurses and technicians who cared for Don at Christ Hospital (Cincinnati), Indianapolis University, St Elizabeth Ann Seton (Carmel, Indiana) and Ft. Hamilton Hospitals from 1988 to 2007.

Funeral service will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 10:00 AM with Majors R. Douglas and Judy L. Hart of The Salvation Army of Middletown officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 1711 S. University Blvd., Middletown, Ohio 45042.