Robert J. Chopel

Robert J. Chopel, 85, resident of Mason, NH and formerly of Catasauqua, PA, died June 8, 2012 at Crestwood Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Milford, NH after a brief stay. He was the husband of Marilyn E. (Onuschak) Chopel. He was born in Catasauqua, PA on December 11, 1926, a son of the late James and Esther (Steitz) Chopel. He was a graduate of Girard College in Philadelphia, PA, June 1944. He had been employed by United Gas Improvement Corporation for more than 40 years. He was also a U.S. Army Veteran having served during World War II. After a previous serious illness, Mr. Chopel and his wife moved to Mason and lived for the past 11 years with their daughter and son-in-law. Previously he and his wife made their home in Catasauqua for most of his life. He and his wife loved spending summers at their cabin in the Poconos. He was the founder of Al’s Acres Association where he served as a former President. Mr. Chopel enjoyed woodworking, fishing and gardening. He was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Chopel, with whom he would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August; three daughters and sons-in-law, Joann and Ronald Schaeffer of Mason, NH, Carol and George Geiges of Newfoundland, PA, Janet and Gary Piatt of Allentown, PA; three grandchildren, 1st Lt. George Michael Geiges, Jr. USAF, who recently returned from a deployment in Afghanistan, Tanya (Piatt) Golden and her husband James, Aaron Piatt; a step granddaughter, Jennifer (Piatt) Jandrisevitz and her husband Randy; one great grandson; two step great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a family of beloved pets. He was predeceased by a brother, James and a sister, Margaret. A private memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Catasauqua on July 7th at 2:00 PM with burial in Fairview Cemetery, West Catasauqua, PA. A celebration of life reception will immediately follow at 3:00 PM in the Church Chapel for all who wish to attend.