Charles W. Stopp, Esq.
Charles W. Stopp, Esquire, 72, of Slatington, passed away Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 in his home surrounded by his loving family. His life was a life well lived with few regrets. It was a life that was filled with love, friendship, and fun. It was a life filled with hard work, diligence, and a commitment to others.
Charlie Stopp was born at home in Germansville, Lehigh County on November 20, 1948 to the late William P. and Ann L. (Winsler) Stopp. His father challenged him, establishing a lifelong work ethic that drove him every day of his life. Charlie graduated from Northwestern Lehigh High School where he competed in baseball, basketball, football, and wrestling. Throughout his life, Charlie established lifelong friendships some lasting for over 70 years.
For a time, Charles thought that he might be a history teacher. He studied at Kutztown University and received his degree in History. As Charles prepared to graduate with a history degree and new friendships, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and his life took a different course.
In the army, Charles supported air defense operations in the Pacific and formed a basketball team – The “UDDS” – The Unsuccessful Draft Dodgers. When Charles returned from the service, he applied for and was admitted to Temple Law School with the help of the G.I. Bill.
In law school, Charles discovered a passion for tennis. He started playing regularly and played two- to- three times per week until a few months before his death. He worked hard in law school and passed the PA bar exam in 1975. Charles joined William A. Steckels Law Firm, later becoming Steckel & Stopp Law Offices
In 1973, Charlie met Barbara A. Propson to whom he was married 46 years this past March 8. The next decades moved quickly as life does. Charlie worked for 80 to 90 hours a week to build the legal practice, develop several real-estate investment businesses, and serve his clients.
Charles was deeply involved in the community.
Through his law firm, he worked with the Borough of Slatington and Borough Authority and many local municipalities and school districts. Additionally, he supported many philanthropic efforts including the Kutztown University Foundation, Minsi Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America, and Allen O. Delke American Legion Post #16.
Attorney Charles Stopp served his many clients faithfully – many of which later became friends. While on his death bed, Charles maintained this commitment asking his family to call the office to ensure that his clients and friends were taken care of.
Charlie never met a stranger. He was always warm, open, and engaging to all he met. Even on family vacations, he would encounter old friends wherever he went. Charlie remained friends for decades with many of the people who were closest to him. He spent time with family and friends doing the things he loved: sailing, tennis, skiing, and traveling.
Charlie was a member of Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schnecksville.
In the end, it was cancer that took Charles.
Survivors: In addition to his loving wife, Barbara; sons David M. and his wife, Attorney Courtney Stopp of Columbia, MD; Peter J. and his wife, Michelle Stopp of Glen Ridge, NJ; grandchildren, Asa, Anderson, Lillian, and Aiden; beloved dog, Jillian.
Service: Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021 in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309 Schnecksville. A private funeral service will be held Friday, April 2, 2021. Due Covid -19 restrictions, a zoom link will be provided on the funeral home website. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Heidelberg Union Cemetery, Slatington. Online expression of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trails Council, Union Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, and / or the Kutztown University Foundation all in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 196 Schnecksville PA 18078-0196.