Bucky Kopf Obituary: Avon Lake, Herman Bucky Kopf died at 85

Bucky Kopf Obituary: Real estate developer and philanthropist Herman “Bucky” Kopf died at his home in Avon Lake on Friday 8 Dec 2023.

Lorain County Coroner Dr. Frank Miller said that he died of natural causes and had been dealing with multiple chronic illnesses.

Bucky Kopf founded Kopf Builders Inc. in 1964 and served as its president until his death.

The company was a major force in the world of Greater Cleveland housing development, building hundreds of homes in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties.

Kopf oversaw the construction of the Legacy Point development and the renovation of the Aquamarine Apartments in Avon Lake, Waterside Crossings in Westlake, and Harbor’s Edge in Port Clinton, as well as hundreds more individual homes.

Kopf also had a hand in commercial development, such as the Towne Center Community Campus in Avon Lake. He also owned the Sweetbriar and Legacy golf courses in the city.

Herman “Bucky” R. Kopf graduated from West Liberty State College in 1964 and went into business creating Kopf Construction with very little capital. Under his leadership, Kopf Builders has become one of the largest homebuilders and developers in the Greater Cleveland area.

Kopf currently serves as chairman of American National Bank, a small business bank located in Cleveland, Ohio. His community involvement includes past and current trusteeships at Baldwin Wallace College, Lorain Community College, Community Health Partners Hospital, Lakeland Health Care, Chamber of Commerce, and Salvation Army.

He is a member and strong supporter of the National Association of Home Builders and was inducted into the North Coast Home Builders Hall of Fame in 2001. Bucky was inducted into the Avon Lake Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.