David G. Koplar

David G. Koplar  

7/11/1951 to 10/21/2023

“We can only imagine what the future will hold, live for today and smile at the past.” 

        Predeceased by his beloved wife Donna (Silvernale) Koplar and longtime companion Deborah Tartaglia along with his Father Andrew Koplar and Mother Antonia (Killiany) Koplar.

        David joined the Navy in 1971, after boot camp in the Great Lakes he was assigned to the UDT/Soal training facility in Coronado California.  Upon discharge he worked at the Torrington Company as a draftsman/engineer.  After leaving the Torrington Company he went on to NCCC where he graduated with an associate degree in Park Management. He was then hired by CJR as the recreation department where he worked until retirement. He expanded the department and became an outdoor experimental educator.  This position became his pride and joy by teaching the kids that there was more to life and teaching them life and survival skills by hiking, backpacking, fishing, rock climbing, cave exploring, fly tying and so much more. The kids all loved his classes and looked up to him “KOPE”. These programs he created were both for staff and students to explore a way of life that they may not have known was out there if it wasn’t for him sharing in things he loved. He also became a Certified Instructions Instructor where he trained and certified hundreds of staff and students in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR and State of CT First Aid Department Instructor.

        He was an avid big game hunter and fisherman.  He won several divisions as a fly-tyer champion with his fly-fishing creations. Those who came to the house he shared great pleasure in showing those interested in his large game room with so many of the animals and fish he had gotten over the years and he would share the story behind each one of them.  

        He is survived by his brothers Gary Koplar, partner Cindy and Paul Koplar.  His loving niece Crystal Koplar, partner Justin, nephew Cody Koplar, great nephew William Koplar whom he considered his grandson and great, great nephew Colton Koplar who he was so grateful to be able to meet.

        The Koplar family would like to thank so many of those who have been a part of David’s life and who were there for David and family in the last few years during his time of need.  Merci Homecare Dana and Roger, his caregiver Rylee, Erica and so many more.

        Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 11:00a.m. at the Hillside Cemetery chapel, 76 Walnut St., Torrington, CT 06790. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow. Friends may call Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington.

        At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation (komen.org/donate)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David G. Koplar, please visit our floral store.