George Leonard Sopko, 94, died peacefully on April 23, 2026.

Born in a house on North 8th Avenue, Manville, New Jersey on March 8, 1932 to the late George and Jenny Sopko, nee Piszkowski. George enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduating from Bound Brook High School serving during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955, awarded the National Defense Service Medal, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After serving his country, Mr. Sopko went on to attend Ohio University, where he obtained his undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Commerce and met Janet. Upon graduation, George married Janet, moved back to New Jersey to work for RCA, and settled in Hillsborough to raise their family. He worked towards his Master’s Degree by attending night school at Fairleigh Dickenson University, so he could continue to provide for his family.

Wanting a change and to take control of his career, George became a licensed real estate broker and then a real estate appraiser in the 1960’s. He eventually opened his own company, George L. Sopko Associates in Somerville in the late 1970’s. His experience over the years also led him to become a Certified Tax Assessor, a teacher at Middlesex County College, and a national instructor of appraisal courses for the IFA (Independent Fee Appraisers) Association. He also served as President of his IFA chapter and earned the IFA designation. George went on to open A-1 Travel Agency with several offices in Somerset County and invested in several real estate ventures including the construction of his very own shore house in Duck, North Carolina.

Mr. Sopko was an avid skier, who enjoyed skiing the Alps and several prominent peaks in North America. In the warmer season. he enjoyed golfing, playing any time the weather and schedule permitted. George carded his first hole in one at the age of 78. He had a passion for horse racing, enjoying an annual trip later in life to Saratoga Springs, New York.

He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Patricia. Surviving are Janet, his children, Bruce Sopko, George Sopko and wife Peggy, Carrie Sopko, and Christopher Sopko, his grandchildren, Sebastian, Natashia, Carly, Rachel (McCloud), and Michael, his great-granddaughter Charlotte, his dear sister Phyllis Regan, as well as his extended family.

Memorial visitation will be held from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, New Jersey.