“The heart that stops beating does not stop loving.”Msgr. William J. Koplik
Rev. Msgr. William J. Koplik’s earthly life ended on Monday, June 29, 2015 in the compassionate care of those who ministered to him at Villa Marie Claire Hospice in Saddle River. Devoted son of the late William and Rose Koplik; beloved brother, uncle, priest, friend, counselor, author and colleague, Monsignor Koplik is survived by his sister and brother-in-law: Rosemarie & Frederick Patrizio; niece, nephews, and their spouses: Judi & Michael Feinberg, Mark Patrizio, William & Nancy Patrizio; and three grand- nieces and three grand-nephews.
Born Feb. 22, 1936 in Union City, New Jersey he spent the early years of his life there before his family moved to Ridgefield. After graduating from Seton Hall Prep, South Orange, he entered Immaculate Conception Seminary (Darlington) and was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood in the Archdiocese of Newark on May 26, 1962. His love of God and dedicated service to God’s people is evidenced in a variety of ministries throughout the past 53 years. In addition to his parochial assignments, Monsignor was a gifted author. He collaborated with Joan Brady in writing Religious Education Programs for Baptism, Reconciliation and Confirmation and co-authored a 3 part Lenten series with Richard Haffey.
His first parochial assignment was at St. Margaret of Cortona, Little Ferry. It was here and at St. Anthony’s, Northvale that he served as Parochial Vicar. His next ministry was as Temporary Administrator at Our Lady of Lourdes, Mountainside. Monsignor also served as Chaplain at Jersey City State College while residing at Our Lady Queen of Peace, North Arlington. In 1981 he was assigned to St. Matthew’s, Ridgefield, where he served for 14 years as pastor and Dean of Bergen/Southeast Deanery. His next assignment as pastor was at Holy Trinity, Hackensack. During this time he served as Director of Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Newark and was invested as a Prelate of Honor. He returned to St. Anthony’s, Northvale, as pastor, and retired from there in 2002. In retirement he resided at St. Matthew’s, Ridgefield until he moved to The Jewish Home at Rockleigh where he was well cared for and lovingly referred to as ‘the pope of The Jewish Home.’
Monsignor Koplik will always be remembered as a loving, gentle, generous, humble, kind man who always kept his sense of humor. His greatest passion was to serve God and God’s people as a priest.
In lieu of flowers: donations may be made in memory of Msgr. Koplik, to Priests’ Retirement Fund, Archdiocese of Newark and The Judeo-Christian Studies Department at Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ.
Viewing at St. Matthew’s, 555 Prospect Ave., Ridgefield, NJ on Thursday, July 2, 2015: 4 – 7 P. M and
Friday, July 3, 2015: 9 – 10 A.M.
Prayer Vigil at St. Matthew’s, Thursday, July 2, 2015: 7:30 P.M.
Funeral Mass at St. Matthew’s, Friday, July 3, 2015: 10:30 A.M.
Burial at Maryrest Cemetery
Arrangements by Pizzi Funeral Home, Northvale.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com