Walter C. Chop Sr.

Chop, Sr., Walter C.
Walter Charles Chop, Sr., 90 of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Stratford, CT, passed away peacefully at the Casa de la Luz Kanmar Place Hospice in Oro Valley, Arizona on April 8, 2015. He was born in Bridgeport, on November 10, 1924, the son of Agnes and John Chop. He lived in Bridgeport and Stratford most of his life. In recent years Walter briefly lived in the Spring Meadows assisted living facility in Trumbull, CT before moving to Tucson, Arizona where he spent the last 2 years of his life living close to his daughter Joanne Kunze and son-in-law Arthur Kunze.
In his younger days in Bridgeport, Walter worked as a paperboy, and at Acme Shear Company, Nyden's Department Store and Lee Pants Store where he learned tailoring. He attended Waltersville and St. Michael's grammar schools and graduated from Harding High School in Bridgeport in 1942. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp serving in the 873rd Air Engineer Squadron, 455th Air Service Group as a parachute rigger and repairman. He served in the European Theater as part of the Normandy Invasion force and was honorably discharged on September 11, 1945.
Upon returning to Bridgeport after the war, he continued working at Lee Pants Store on Main St., where he was employed prior to the war. At the encouragement of the managers, Ruby and Ira, he enrolled in Arnold College (now part of the University of Bridgeport) majoring in Physical Education. He graduated with a BS degree in 1949. He later did graduate work at New York University, receiving a Masters in Education in 1951, and a sixth year certificate from University of Bridgeport in 1960. In addition, he pursued advance studies at Columbia University.
In 1950, he began a career in education in the Bridgeport School System that would last until his retirement 36 years later. He first taught science at Hallen Elementary School making history as the first male elementary teacher in Bridgeport. In 1961, he was promoted to principal of Elias Howe School. A few years later Walter was recruited to the central office of education to provide leadership on a host of projects. He was made Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools and four years later promoted to Assistant Superintendent. He was also Interim Superintendent of Schools for one year, in 1975. From 1976-81 he served as Assistant Superintendent for School Planning. This position became Director of School Facilities and Planning, a position Walter held from 1982 to his retirement in 1986.
Walter loved entertaining and was the consummate host making others feel "right at home". He loved telling jokes and acting out funny stories. Exercising was always important to him, rising early each day for his workout at the YMCA in Bridgeport. He also loved traveling, often in his later years in the form of a cruise. Following the passing of his wife Olga, Walter and his companion, Penelope, of more than 10 years enjoyed a number of interesting and exciting trips.
Walter was predeceased by his beloved wife Olga, his parents, and brothers, Frank, Tom and Stanley. He is survived by two children, daughter Joanne Kunze and husband Arthur Kunze, of Tucson, Arizona and son Walter and wife Gail, of Brunswick, Maine; and his five grandchildren: Jeffrey, Kevin, Jennifer, Christopher and Alexander; and one great granddaughter Hadley. In addition, Walter leaves behind many nephews, nieces, relatives and friends who he loved very much.
A mass of Christian burial will take place Monday, May 18, 2015 at 10:30 AM, at St. James Catholic Church on Main St, Stratford, Connecticut. A reception will follow at Casa Nova Ristorante, 833 River Rd., Shelton, CT.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can
be made to:
Alzheimer's Association
P.O. Box 96011
Washington, DC 20096-6011
Or on-line: www.alz.org/donate
Or by phone: 1-800-272-3906