George Michael Kopenec

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL – George Michael Kopenec, 76, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026 from Mantel Cell Lymphoma. He was born in Evergreen Park, IL to Irwin and Rita Kopenec (nee Werr). He held an associate degree in Travel and Hospitality from Milwaukee Area Technical Institute. With this degree George opened his own travel business, “Handi-Travels”, focusing on other disabled folks like himself wanting to travel and enjoy life. George lived with and suffered from Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) for over 27 years. In retirement George volunteered as office worker and teacher for senior members as beginners in technology for the Charlotte County Computer Group Corporation (CCCGC) also serving as board member, vice-president and president. He and his wife would have celebrated 21 years of marriage on October 8, 2026.

George is survived by his wife, Rose, Port Charlotte, Florida and brothers: James (Hermine) Kopenec, Surprise, Arizona; Edward (Diane) Kopenec, Carmel, Indiana; Frank (Nancy) Kopenec, Cherryville, North Carolina; Richard (Stefani) Kopenec, North Richmond Hills, Texas and many nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his father, mother and siblings: Mary Ann, Donald and Charles.

George will be laid to rest in a private service in Port Charlotte, Florida.

If you wish to remember George in a special way, please donate to: GBS/CIDP International Foundation, (https://www.gbs-cidp.org/ways-to-give/) or Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (https://flcancer.com › location › port-charlotte)