Michael Kopacz

Michael Dugué Kopacz passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2019. He was a lifelong resident of this city. Mr. Kopacz was born in New Orleans on January 14, 1948, the eldest child of the late Amelie Le Blanc of New Orleans and the late Boleslaus M. Kopacz, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. He is also predeceased by his brother Paul D. Kopacz and his beloved grandmother Elise Roussel. Mr. Kopacz is survived by his companion, Paulette Claire Fuselier; his sister, Mary Elise Fitzpatrick (Tom); brother Steven Kopacz (Sandra); brother Robert Kopacz; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends. He was a graduate of Ecole Classique and attended Tulane University, spending a term in Paris in 1968. Mr. Kopacz (known as “the Wizard”) devised the call letters for local radio station WWOZ-FM and worked as a jazz announcer at WNOE-FM, WWNO-FM, and WWOM-FM. His on-air interviews included Scarlet Rivera and the late Mac Rebennack (Dr. John) and Lou Reed. He was a shrewd commentator on events of the day. Michael was dearly loved and will be profoundly missed.

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 21, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., at
St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, 775 Harrison Ave., New Orleans, LA 70124 with a Funeral Mass following at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.schoenfh.com. JACOB SCHOEN & SON, 3827 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70119 (504) 482-2111 is in charge of arrangements.

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