Very Rev. Steven Peter Koplinka of Riverhead died June 20, 2026, at North Shore University Hospital. He was 75 years old.
Born Aug. 3, 1950, in Southampton, he was the son of Steven and Thelma (Rusewicz) Koplinka. He was baptized Aug. 13, 1950, at St. Isidore Church in Riverhead. He earned a BA from Holy Redeemer College in Waterford, Wisconsin, in 1975, and an MDiv from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois, in 1979, where he studied for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
He was ordained May 12, 1979, by Archbishop Rembert Weakland, archbishop of Milwaukee. He was a Benedictine monk for 25 years, serving as novice master, choir master and tailor in Benet Lake, Wisconsin. In the Eparchy of Parma, he served as vicar for religious and clergy, served on the seminary board, and held parish assignments in Cleveland , Ohio and Munster, Indiana. He retired Dec. 1, 2025, lived in Riverhead and attended St. Isidore Church. His family said he was a Benedictine oblate novice and planned to make his oblation on the feast of St. Benedict, July 11, 2026.
He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Carol Block; and his nephew, Joseph. He is survived by his brothers, Joseph (Linda) and Gregory Koplinka, and his nieces and nephews, Alyssa, Kimberly, Mark, Gregory, Hillary and Katy.
The family will receive visitors Wednesday, July 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead, where a religious service will be held at 6 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 2, at 10 a.m. at St. Isidore Church in Riverhead. Interment will follow at St. Isidore Cemetery in Riverhead. Memorial donations may be made to Harmalite Home for Children.
