Name: Visitation for Charles W. Ropars Jr.
Start: 2016-05-15T18:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Stanislaus of Kostka RC Church

Charles W. Ropars Jr.

AGE: 58 • Plainfield

Charles W. Ropars Jr., 58, died on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Overlook Hospital in Summit. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Charles grew up in Fairless Hills, PA and had been a resident of the City of Plainfield for the past 30 years. A graduate of Bloomsburg University Class of 1980, Chuck was an outstanding Special Education teacher at Westfield High School and took great pride in helping those in need. He was instrumental in developing the Bridge Program that is used by the high school for its students with special needs. In addition Chuck enjoyed working at the Westfield Recreation Department where he coached soccer and served as a mentor and youth coordinator.

Charles was faithful communicant of St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Stanislaus of Kostka RC Church in Plainfield. For nearly 30 years he routinely attended the church daily and also served the church as a Religious Education Teacher, Youth Minister and Reader.

He was devoted to his faith, family, friends and students and will be missed by those who were fortunate to know him.

Surviving are his wife Mary (Krieger); daughters, Katlyn Ropars of Boiling Springs, PA and Jessica Navin and her husband Sean of Williamsburg, VA; sister, Kimberly Coffey and her husband Michael of Yardley, PA; two brothers, Michael and his wife Cathy of Yardley, PA and Craig and his wife Tanya of Langhorne, PA and his grandson Colin Navin.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2016 beginning at 2pm at St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Stanislaus of Kostka RC Church 368 Sumner Ave. Plainfield, NJ 07062 with a funeral mass to follow at 6pm. Cremation Services will be held privately. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals 2425 Plainfield Ave. South Plainfield, NJ 07080. In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to the Easterseals www.easterseals.com or to St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Stanislaus of Kostka RC Church 1235 George St. Plainfield, NJ 07062. For additional information please visit Charles' interactive web page at www.mccriskinfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier News on May 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Ropars

Sponsored by McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals.

9 Entries

Bill Kormos

May 18, 2016

Rest in peace my old friend. Although we lost touch over the years I'll always cherish the memories of the times we had as kids in Fairless Hills. -Bill Kormos

Paul Krieger

May 14, 2016

Uncle Chuck to all my kids so that's what I called him. The best I can imagine for my sister Mary. I'm so sorry he is gone. Truly one of the good guys.

Eileen Rhoads

May 14, 2016

I knew Chuck for about 35 years. He was more like a brother than brother in law.

When I think of Chuck_I think of "giving". He gave and shared his time, energy, love & wisdom.

He was a true gentleman. He loved his family and taking care of his girls-Mary, Katlyn and Jess. He so enjoyed making things special for them. I watched him spend hours assembling the perfect Easter baskets.

Chuck made the world a better place. I'm blessed to have had him as part of my family and am a better person for knowing him. Miss him.

Alison Rodino

May 13, 2016

I have so many memories growing up with the Ropars family and so many included Mr. Ropars. From helping set up the haunted house and playing with Jess at the teen center, my childhood was shaped by the time I spent with him. I think of Mr. Ropars in the work I do with special education departments at work. He will be forever missed and always remembered.

Susan McCrea

May 13, 2016

WHS and the world has lost a wonderful person. Mr. Ropars was a teacher for one of my children and was instrumental in keeping him in high school and inspiring him to keep being the best he could be. All of what he did for/with my son was done with love that was easy to feel. I am saddened to hear of his passing and so was my son.

Soccer Camp Coach

Traci Kastner

May 13, 2016

He touched many lives during his lifetime. He was a truly amazing man - a gentleman, hero and friend. Rest in peace my friend you will always be in our hearts. xoxo

Teresa Burns

May 13, 2016

If I made a list of my heroes on earth, Chuck would stand right next to Mother Teresa. He was the most selfless man I have ever met. He was never above serving those around him - cooking, cleaning and changing diapers and he always remembered how you took your coffee.

He treated Mary like a queen. I have never seen such unwaivering devotion.

When Chuck came home from rehab and for the first time needed someone to take care of him, I saw Mary give the most patient, tender, compassionate care I have ever witnessed. They were a beautiful team.

Chuck was so faithful. One day in rehab I asked him how he was doing with God, and through his labored speech he said, "I'm right where He wants me to be."

He sought the good in everyone he met and I am a better person for having watched the way he lived. His words were always kind and uplifting; he spoke ill of no-one.

Thank you Chuck for inspiring me to be better in faith and in love. You will live in my heart always.

Bev Geddis

May 13, 2016

With Chuck's passing, Westfield High School has lost a true, caring teacher; his students have lost a mentor and champion. Heartfelt condolences most especially to his family but also to countless others whose lives have been enhanced by his grace and quiet strength.

Cathy Mazza

May 13, 2016

So sorry to hear this sad news. I worked for the Rec Department and knew Chuck well. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I'm sure he will be missed
Cathy Mazza

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