William Kopman

William Kopman

William Kopman died peacefully in his San Diego home on March 26, 2017 at the age of 81.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Fraeda Kopman, children Holly Kopman, Megan Kopman, Sandy (Katie) Schenck and Brad (Jill) Schenck, sister Joanne (late Leslie) Grodsky, stepsister Terry (Gordon) Bloomberg, stepbrother Robert (Marilyn) Goldwasser, six beautiful grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and countless loyal friends whose lives he touched in a meaningful way.


Born and raised in the St. Louis area, Bill starred in football, basketball and baseball while attending St. Louis Country Day.  After serving his country in the United States Army stationed in Germany and then graduating from Tulane University, Bill returned home to St. Louis to work with his father in the finance business.  Bill later founded and served as Chairman and President of Universal Premium Acceptance Corporation (UPAC), a successful insurance premium finance business. He also served on the board of Landmark Bancshares.  Bill was a shrewd businessman but was most proud of the many lifelong friends he made during this time.

Blessed with movie-star looks and impeccable style, “Mr. Neat” rarely had a hair out of place.  Bill was an avid golfer with one of the smoothest swings Westwood Country Club has ever seen.  He and Fraeda traveled all over the world together and he enjoyed their time living in both South Florida and San Diego.  Bill was also an active collector of fine wine and glass art, serving on the boards of Pilchuck Glass School and the Association of Israel’s Decorative Arts.  He enjoyed attending St. Louis Cardinals spring training games, following the ups and downs (mostly downs) of the former St. Louis Rams, and asking for (but rarely receiving) Bananas Foster or Cherries Jubilee for dessert.  In recent years, visits from his children and grandchildren in San Diego were sources of great strength and happiness for Bill.


A memorial service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 14 at New Mount Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Rd, 63123.  A celebration of Bill’s life will be held later that evening from 5-7 p.m. at Westwood Country Club. 

Memorial donations may be made to the American Friends of Magen David Adom (AMFDA) to help fund an underground Blood Services Center and support Israel’s emergency medical first-responders at https://afmda.org/memory-of-bill-kopman/ or (561) 835-0150. BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE