Charles W. Stopp, Esq., 72, of Slatington, died 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.

Born Nov. 20, 1948, at home in Germansville, he was a son of 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.

He graduated from Northwestern Lehigh High School where he competed in baseball, basketball, football and wrestling.

Throughout his life, he established lifelong friendships, some lasting more than 70 years.

For a time, he thought that he might be a history teacher, having studied at Kutztown University and receiving his degree in history.

As he 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, he supported air defense operations in the Pacific and formed a basketball team - The UDDS - The Unsuccessful Draft Dodgers.

When he 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, he discovered a passion for tennis, started playing regularly and played two- to three times per week until a few months before his death.

He worked hard in law school, passed the Pennsylvania bar exam in 1975 and joined William A. Steckel Law Firm, which later became Steckel & Stopp Law Offices

In 1973, he met Barbara A. Propson to whom he was married 46 years on March 8.

The next decades moved quickly as life does and he worked 80 to 90 hours a week to build the legal practice, develop several real estate investment businesses and serve his clients.

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.

He served his many clients faithfully, many of whom later became friends.

While on his death- bed, he maintained this commitment asking his family to call the office to ensure his clients and friends were taken care of.

He never met a stranger and was always warm, open and engaging to all he met.

Even on family vacations, he would encounter old friends wherever he went.

He 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.

He was a member of Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schnecksville.

In the end, it was cancer that took Charles.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by sons David M. and his wife, Attorney Courtney Stopp, of Columbia, Md.; Peter J. and his wife, Michelle Stopp, of Glen Ridge, N.J.; grandchildren Asa, Anderson, Lillian and Aiden; and beloved dog, Jillian.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation 3-7 p.m. on April 1 in Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 4906 Route 309 Schnecksville.

A private funeral service will be held April 2.

Due to 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.

Expression of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

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 to the Kutztown University Foundation, all c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.