Mitchell J. Lopac

Mitchell J. Lopac, 66, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving wife Janet and super dog Vinnie on Thursday, July 28, 2022. He is survived by his brother John G. “Johnny” and predeceased by his parents John and Therese Lopac. Mitch took tremendous pride in his role as the Godfather to his niece Ava, earning him the nickname “Vito” and as uncle to his other nieces Heather, Elise and Lyla and nephews Matthew, Jude and Adam.

Mitch grew up in Naperville IL and graduated from Naperville Central High School, where he was an all-star baseball player styling his game after Luis Aparicio. Mitch continued his baseball and academic pursuits as a Hawkeye at the University of Iowa and North Central College and spent time playing AAA ball. After his playing days concluded he continued his passion for baseball as a life-long, die-hard White Sox fan, with “moderate” success converting his Cubs-fan nieces and nephews.

Mitch spent most of his career as a sales and marketing executive in the Graphics and Printing Industry, taking him to spend his last years working for Hewlett Packard. He was proud of the fact that humble beginnings in Illinois could lead to a career that took him all over the world. He also enjoyed that he was able to spend time as a member of White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville and from time to time call it “work”. Mitch was an accomplished golfer who in his later years continued to love the game spending time with friends and family at Bartlett Hills Golf Club.

Mitch’s career led him to meet the love of his life, Janet Trandel. They were married on a beautiful fall day at White Eagle Country Club in 1999. Janet and Mitch loved their dogs Samantha, Balthasar and Vinnie and spent time helping the Midwest Labrador Retriever Rescue organization.

“The Mitch” was quite the guy- extremely engaging and fun. His ability to make whoever he was with feel like the most important person in the world was a special gift- one he shared often. His attention to detail and ability to relate to people of all walks of life contributed to his success as a dear friend, brother, and husband. His love for Tiki Bars will be carried on by all who shared time with Mitch making wonderful memories.

Mitch’s family would like to send a special thank-you to Terry Ratkay Copack, who donated a kidney to Mitch in 2011 which gave him eleven wonderful years. Mitch continued to live life to the fullest through his health issues which has been an inspiration to his friends and family. Having enjoyed the gift of life created by generous donors, the family would like to urge everyone to please consider organ donation.

A memorial service will be held at Countryside Funeral Homes and Crematory, 950 South Bartlett Rd., Bartlett, IL on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 12:00noon until time of service 4:00pm. In lieu of gifts, a donation can be made to Mitch and Janet’s favorite two charities: Midwest Labrador Retriever Rescue (mlrr.org) and Little Friends, Inc. (littlefriendsinc.org). Info: www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com or (630)289-7575