A 1948 graduate of Lowell Textile Institute with a BS in Textile Chemistry, he later earned an MS in 1950 from LTI.  He began a 36-year association with the school when he was appointed to the post of Librarian by the Board of Trustees in 1950.

The founder of the bowling program in 1965, Joe introduced the first equally funded women's team at Lowell Technological Institute.  he served as coach of the program for 20 years before handing the reins over in 1985.  During his tenure as coach, Joe was reputed to have had one of the highest winning (percentage) records in the varsity program.  One of his proudest moments came in 1984 and 1985 when Susan Kenney of the women's tem was named an ACU-I All-American.

In addition to his many duties at the Library and as bowling coach, Kopycinski gave many hours of his time to the Athletic Hall of Fame selection committee.  A key source of information regarding LTI's student-athletes in the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's, he was a member of the selection committee since the Hall of Fame's inception in 1977.