Donald Robert Sopko, Sr., 95 of The Villages, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep March 28, 2026. The son of the late Edward & Anna Sopko was born in 1931 in Blue Island, IL. Don graduated from Blue Island High School in 1949 and served proudly as a member of the Army’s 82nd Airborne, based out of Fort Bragg, NC. On October 15, 1955, Don married Shirley Sauer of Chicago, IL and together they raised 2 beautiful boys in South Holland, IL. Don was an Allstate agent for over 30 years. He was active in numerous community events serving as a Boy Scout Leader and Little League Coach. Don & Shirley loved to travel, beginning in the early days of family vacations in Myrtle Beach, SC. They traveled extensively throughout the world enjoying trips to Japan, China, Morocco, Europe and Mexico, making many friends along the way. They fell in love with the quaint fishing village if Ixtapa, Mexico and enjoyed many “Chicago winters” in this tropical paradise, before retiring in The Villages, FL. His favorite past time was spending the day on the golf course with his buddies in the Gilchrist Golf League. Above all else, Don’s priority was his family. He was a loving and loyal husband, father, papa, g-papa and friend. Don is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Sauer Sopko of 67 years. Surviving family members are Jeff (Debi) Sopko, Don, Jr. (Denise) Sopko; grandchildren JJ Sopko; Taylor Messino (Jeff), Lauren (Josh) Gillian, Jenna Sopko; Jake (Ada) Sopko; Samantha Petitti; Nicole, Petitti and great-grandchildren, Cole, Ryan & Madison Gillian. Cremation has taken place. Interment will be at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL at the convenience of the family. Those who would like to remember Don are asked to consider a donation to their favorite charity in his honor.