Julius Ropog

March 15, 2015

Julius Ropog 74, passed away March 15, 2015 at Geauga Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born in 1941 in Cleveland and was a resident of Lake County for nearly 40 years.

Julius lived his life with dignity, integrity, and honor. After graduating from Fenn College of Engineering and serving a college internship in the aerospace industry, he spent most of his career in that industry. Always adapting to the changing landscape of his career and his life, he worked at TRW for over 25 years, initially as an engineer on the Saturn V launch vehicle and lunar module for which he has a brick in the Astronauts Memorial Foundation Spacewalk of Honor at the Kennedy Space Center. As his career progressed, he was a Market Analyst and Contract Administrator. At Goodrich Landing Gear for several years he was an Export Compliance Licensing Officer and Empowered Official until his retirement.

His interest in photography is evident in the vast collection of memories he captured of important and pleasant moments in the life of family and friends.

Beyond photography he had a great respect and appreciation for art as demonstrated by his active and consistent involvement in the annual juried art show at East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church for which he was honored on its 25th anniversary. Julius also enjoyed history, classic cars, and geography - especially ancient maps. Every year he looked forward to the baseball season.

Although he mentored and supported numerous people throughout his career, his proudest achievements were of raising a wonderful daughter and being a loving and supportive husband. His greatest smiles and joy came from watching his granddaughter experience and enjoy life.

Survivors are his wife Barbara; daughter Martina “Marty” (Todd) Ropog and his granddaughter Mariska Ropog. He is also survived by his siblings Janet (John) Mitchell and Richard (Louise) Ropog. Additionally he is survived by Kendall, Dustin, and Jason Wright and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents Julius J. Sr. and Elizabeth Ropog.

A public memorial service will be held 2:00 pm on April 19, 2015 at East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 10848 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Julius the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Seidman Cancer Center at Geauga Medical Center 13207 Ravenna Rd., Claridon Twp., OH 44024.

Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060.

Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com