DAVID H. KOPELMAN, of Chestnut Hill, retired First Justice of The Norfolk County Probate and Family Court, passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2022. from complications of leukemia at age 83. Born September 23, 1938, in Cambridge, MA, to Ruth (Koritsky) Kopelman and Judge Frank Kopelman, David was a graduate of Boston Latin School, Harvard College (Class of 1960 – note: David was a beloved “regular” attendee at H’60 events --, member of Winthrop House and, majoring in Social Relations, was the recipient of an A.B. degree), and Harvard Law School (J.D. degree in 1964).
David Kopelman was the First Justice of the Norfolk Probate and Family Court. He was appointed to the bench in 1981 by Governor King. Prior to his appointment, Judge Kopelman worked for Herlihy and O'Brien where he specialized in family and probate law. Few other judges authored as many landmark decisions as Judge Kopelman over his nearly thirty years on the bench. His decisions in cutting-edge cases, whether upheld or reversed, established legal principles that endure and will guide lawyers and litigants in the Commonwealth into the future. He is remembered as a judge for his fairness, his infallible sense of humor, his ability to clearly explain his reasoning in his written decisions, and his mastery of both domestic and probate sides of the court. Even more so, he will be remembered for his dedication to countless other judges, lawyers, and co-workers whom he took great pride in mentoring over the years. His retirement banquet was attended by over 500 people and he was a much-loved figure in Boston legal circles, serving as a mediator for Bams mediation service after retirement from the bench.
His devotion to his profession and peers was only eclipsed by his devotion to his family. He leaves behind his loving wife, Susan Heifetz Kopelman; his three adoring children: Dr. Elizabeth Kopelman Borgwardt and Kurt Borgwardt, Dr. Gail Kopelman Serruya and Dr. Mijail Serruya, and Dr. Andrew Kopelman and Dr. Mona Jain; seven grandchildren Eva Borgwardt, Jay Borgwardt, Sophie Serruya, Samuel Serruya, Lyla Serruya, Nava Kopelman and Ravi Kopelman; his twin brother Arie L. Kopelman, and numerous nieces and nephews. A younger brother, Robert Kopelman predeceased Judge Kopelman.
David loved studying and caring for animals, including legions of family pets. A highlight for him was a trip to South Africa where he could observe in the wild many of the species that had always fascinated him. He loved skiing in Colorado, golfing in Florida, and eating any kind of crustacean – especially shrimp and lobster. David brought his sense of humor to most of his interactions. Some good friends date back to elementary school and junior counselor days at camp Tevya. They knew they could count on David for anything, and David knew he could count on them to continue laughing at his retold jokes.
As his wife of 53 years, there are so many things I will miss about my husband. His mind was incredibly clever and insightful, and so we engaged in countless provocative conversations. Perhaps most of all, I will miss David's sense of humor, which infused our life with joy and playfulness that I will miss terribly.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Judge Kopelman's memory may be made to Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, c/o Hillel International ATTN: Gift Operations, 800 8th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001, or Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces, PO Box 4224, NY, NY 10163
Services were held at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton, MA on Sunday, February 13, 2022.
Slightly modified version of obituary published by the Boston Globe from February 10 to February 11, 2022.
