Stopa was born in Bridgeport and was a graduate of Roger Ludlowe High School, where he excelled in both baseball and football. He played in the Fairfield Semi-Pro Football League.
He was drafted right out of his senior year of high school and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy on a destroyer in the Pacific during World War II. He was a lifelong Fairfield resident.
He retired from the Fairfield Fire Department after 30 years of service, where he moved up through the ranks to captain. He started his career with his brothers serving as volunteer firefighters.
Stopa is survived by his sons, Gerald M. Stopa (Delores) of Stuart, Fla., Thomas P. Stopa of Torrington and Jeffrey R. Stopa (Lorraine) of Fairfield; nine grandchildren; sisters, Stella Lee and Agnes Graceski, both of Fairfield; sister-in-law, Anita Schelmetic (Ron); brother-in-law, Fred Klein (Pat); and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy E. Stopa; and brothers, Frank Stopa and Fire Chief Joseph Stopa.
Calling hours are Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road, Fairfield Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, directly at St. Pius X Church. Interment to follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery with full military honors.
Donations may be made in Capt. Stopa’s memory to the Fairfield Firefighters Association, Local #1426, P.O. Box 261, Fairfield, CT 06824.
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