The community of Port Jefferson and the wider Suffolk County area is mourning the tragic loss of Valerie Kopetic, 63, and Paul Trefimovich, 68, following a devastating incident that has left family, friends, and colleagues grappling with profound sorrow and unanswered questions.
Valerie Kopetic was known as a dedicated professional, a reliable colleague, and a compassionate presence in the lives of those who knew her. Her absence was first noticed when she failed to appear at work, prompting concern that ultimately led to a welfare check at her residence on Oakwood Road. Valerie’s commitment to her responsibilities and her consistent character made her disappearance immediately alarming to those around her, reflecting the respect and trust she had earned over the years.
Paul Trefimovich, Valerie’s domestic partner, was also a familiar figure to many in the community. At 68, he shared a long and personal chapter of life with Valerie, and their relationship was known to be an integral part of their daily lives. The loss of both individuals has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood and beyond, underscoring how deeply intertwined their lives were with the people around them.
According to Suffolk County Police, officers responding to the welfare check shortly after 11 a.m. discovered both Valerie and Paul deceased inside their home, each having suffered fatal gunshot wounds. The Homicide Squad later determined the incident to be a murder-suicide. Authorities have not released a motive, leaving loved ones to mourn without clear answers and reminding the public of the often unseen struggles individuals may face.
In moments like these, words feel painfully insufficient. The tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of compassion, mental health awareness, and community support. It also highlights the need to look out for one another, to check in, and to offer help when something seems amiss.
As the community grieves, thoughts and heartfelt condolences extend to the families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors affected by this heartbreaking loss. Valerie Kopetic and Paul Trefimovich will be remembered not for the manner of their deaths, but for the lives they lived and the connections they formed. May their loved ones find strength, comfort, and peace during this incredibly difficult time.
