Major Ronald F. Sopata

Major Ronald F. Sopata, US Air Force, Ret. 77, passed away on September 29, 2023 in Lake Forest, IL, peacefully surrounded by his family. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Ron was a U. S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran and a Pararescue man (PJ) in an Elite Special Forces Unit. He also served as an F16 Maintenance Officer and performed a tour of duty as a Squadron Commander at the United States Air Force Academy. Ron served his country honorably for 23 years. His numerous decorations included three distinguished flying crosses. He retired as a Major in 1995 and also enjoyed a second career after retirement, as a teacher. The motto for pararescue men is “These things we do, that others may live”. He was fortunate to have been able to rescue many during the Vietnam war, and continued that motto throughout his life, looking for big and small ways to serve those around him. He loved food, fishing and being funny, but his heart was all about friends and family. Ron is survived by his former wife and forever friend, Margery Sopata of Lake Forest, IL; his three daughters, Lisa (Sajjan) Sharma of Canton, GA; Kimberly (David) Fleuchaus of Lake Forest, IL , and Cynthia Sopata of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; five grandchildren (Daniel and Kiran Sharma and Eva, Gabriel and Pia Fleuchaus), his sister-in-law, Barbara Sopata, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Stella Sopata; sister, Marie Henry and his brothers Joseph and James (Cindy) Sopata. Family and friends are invited to meet for a gathering on Saturday, October 14,2023 from l0 am to 11 am with a service at 11 am at the Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave. (Rt. 176, one block west of Milwaukee Ave.) Libertyville, IL. A repast will follow at White Deer Run Golf Course in Vernon Hills. A committal service with full military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17. 2023 at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery, Vattman Road, Lake Bluff, IL 60035. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Wisconsin. Ron was supposed to take his honor flight with them on October 7th, and he would be thrilled to know he helped other vets get to D.C. to see their memorials. Donations can be made at https://www.starsandstripeshonorflight.org/donate/ Please share your memories of Ron - however large or small, silly or serious, on his legacy page at www.burnettdane.com or at https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/RONALDFRANCISSOPATA/a4b6df For info: 847-362-3009. Click link below to view live funeral footage: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/7978152552

Major Ronald F. Sopata

April 9, 1946 - September 29, 2023