Stephen L. Christopoulos

Stephen L. Christopoulos passed away quietly at his home on July 24, 2025, two years after a cancer diagnosis. He was born in Gardiner, Maine, on May 14, 1953, to John and Marilyn Christopoulos. He loved his Maine roots and the Maine woods and always called himself a Mainiac. A move to Rochester, NY, his freshman year of high school was a big culture shock. Steve enlisted in the Army after two years of community college and while enlisted, earned a ROTC scholarship and attended Niagara University. He served in Texas, earned his Ranger tab, and had two tours to Germany, making him a Cold Warrior. He rose to the rank of Captain serving in tanks in the "Hell on Wheels" 2nd Armored Division. The family dinner table never lacked for tales of tanks and his two sons loved it! After the Army, Steve earned an MHA (Master's in Health Administration) at Southwest Texas University but struggled to find commensurate employment, briefly managing a Whataburger (only in Texas!) before becoming a manager at AMC Theatres in Houston, where he met his future wife, Eileen "Lenni" Maguire, a fellow AMC manager. AMC transferred him to Virginia and then to Pennsylvania, and then AMC transferred Lenni to Pennsylvania and he got to say, "She chased me!" for their whole marriage! The wedding took place on a Monday in Maine on 8/8/88 because from the very start, Steve always wanted to make his wife happy (and she loves "fun" numbers and dates). A position at Day Timers prompted a move to Allentown, where their first son, Sean, was born. After a job change to National Liberty, they bought their house in Emmaus and their second son, Colin, was born. After another job change to Rodale Press, the MHA degree finally paid off with employment at Easton Hospital for nine years, followed by a position at Lehigh Valley Health Network as Director of Decision Support for sixteen years until he retired in 2018. Retirement had Steve pursuing his hobby full time. As he confessed very early in their relationship (in case it would scare Lenni off), the Army made him like guns. He taught their boys to shoot, taught Lenni to shoot, and they all still enjoy it. He volunteered as an instructor for Women on Target, introducing women to the shooting sports. He was an excellent amateur gunsmith, perfecting his favorite firearm, the best handgun ever produced, the 1911. He shared his smithing knowledge on several 1911 gun forums online, where he was known as "Steve in Allentown" and was held in high regard. He is survived by his wife, Lenni, his son Sean (partner Erika), his son Colin (wife Callie), and his beloved and devoted younger sisters Kim and Beth, who have said more than once, "Best big brother ever!" He was also blessed with many nieces and nephews. Steve's goal in life was to love and provide for his family and to be a good man. He was a resounding success. He will especially be remembered for the unwavering love, respect, and admiration shown to his true love, Lenni, and his utmost pride and love for his sons. A celebration of Steve's life with military honors will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 12 Noon in Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main Street, Emmaus, PA 18049. Visitation 11:00 to 12 Noon in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Allentown Rescue Mission, 355 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101.