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Roger Bly Kolpien, 93, of Westfield, NY passed away peacefully at home November 9, 2026.
Born in Ripley, New York, on August 17, 1933, to Herbert Bly Kolpien and Mabel Kolpien.
Roger was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Lou Kolpien, who died in 2000; his parents; his siblings, Marian Waters, Robert Kolpien, and James Kolpien; and his step grandson, Matthew Lefler, Jr.
In 2002, Roger married Lucinda "Cindy" Kolpien, who survives him and was his shining star through the later years of his life and was his tireless companion and champion through his health challenges.
Roger is survived by his children, Karen (Frank) Bugai of Norton, Massachusetts; Christopher Kolpien of Westfield, New York; Wendy Nielsen of Erie, Pennsylvania; and Timothy (Lori) Kolpien of Corning; and Julie (Matt) Kemblowski of Huntley, Illinois. He also leaves great-grandchildren, Natalie Bugai and Brayton Bugai of Norton, Massachusetts, Riley Krahe and Gerard Krahe of Erie, and Maggie Kemblowski Kate Kemblowski, Nora Kemblowski, and Toby Kemblowski of Huntley, along with many nieces and nephews.
Cindy's children, Matthew (Stacy) Lefler of Edgewater, Maryland, Colleen (Peter)Byrnes of Millersville, Maryland, and Frank (Jennifer) Lefler of Annapolis, Maryland, many grandchildren, and one great grandchild, whom Roger loved as his own, also survive him.
Rogers and Cindy's children and grandchildren were the "jewels in his crown."
He loved attending their sports events and activities and spending time with them. They remember his silly side, which came out in his later years and kept them smiling.
His Christian faith was central to his life. A founding member of Lakeshore Assembly of God, he taught adult Sunday Scholl and led and served on the board in countless other capacities over the years. His favorite verse was 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which begins, "Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ…"He lived by those words through the losses of his parents, siblings, Mary Lou's cancer battle, and ultimate death and through his own two battles with cancer.
Raised in Ripley, Roger excelled in academics and sports at Ripley Central School and had a lifelong love of learning and teaching, which led him to choose a career as a teacher and coach.
As a boy, he loved the outdoors, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and played football, basketball, and baseball, often practicing for hours - even in the rain and snow. He went on to Fredonia State University, where he earned a teaching degree while playing baseball, and Michigan State University, where he earned a Master's Degree.
After beginning his teaching career in Orchard Park, New York, Roger taught earth science at Westfield Academy and Central School for more than 30 years, retiring in 1991. He chaired the Science Department for more than 20 years, and coached the high school basketball, football, baseball, and bowling teams at various times throughout his career. He enjoyed seeing his former students and players and took satisfaction in playing a small role in their successes in their lives.
He loved sports throughout his whole life, participating in and managing local golf and bowling leagues. Golf was his greatest sporting passion, especially rounds with Cindy, his sons and grandsons, and lifelong friends in New York and Florida. For many years, he directed the " Good Old Guys" golf circuit for local retirees. He was also a devoted follower of both Michigan State University and Detroit Tigers.
Roger enjoyed hunting for much of his life and valued the annual Thanksgiving morning hunts he shared for many years with his father and brothers. He also enjoyed fixing and repairing things, and at one time ran a side business repairing televisions.
Music was another lasting joy in Roger's life. He especially loved traditional Christian hymns and instrumental music, and he played the trumpet.
Though Roger and Cindy never left the area permanently, they spent many Winters at Whisper Lake in Sebring, Florida. There, Roger became known for singing as he rode his bicycle through his neighborhood.
A United States Army veteran, Roger served in Nuremberg, Germany. His wife, Mary Lou joined him there and taught in the American school there as Roger served.
In the days just before his death, Roger took comfort in his faith and often remarked that he had "lived a good life."
Friends are invited to Lakeshore Assembly of God, 252 E. Main St. Westfield, NY on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The family will receive visitors from 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow. A luncheon will be held at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to Boy Scouts of American, Allegheny Highlands Council, PO Box 261, Falconer, NY 14733 or Lakeshore Assembly of God, 252 E. Main St., Westfield, NY 14787.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St. Westfield, NY. Please share condolences and remembrances at www.masonfuneralhome.com.