Albert William Hoppes

Corporal Retired Albert William Hoppes, 97, of Easton and formerly of Hellertown, departed this life surrounded by his family on December 16, 2020. Born in Mertztown, he was the son of the late Robert Rhodes and Bessie Irene (Isamoyer) Hoppes, and stepson of Anna Elizabeth Sloyer Hoppes. Al graduated from Hellertown High School, Kutztown and Temple Universities, and Moravian College. He played for the local Steelers travel Basketball team. Early in life, Al worked sweeping streets for the borough of Hellertown, he collected spigot (faucets) taxes with his father. Hence, his nickname “Spigots Jr.” While at Kutztown Teacher’s College, he worked at Bethlehem Steel and Mack Trucks and enlisted into the armed services. He served his country honorably in the Army Air Corps during WWII, with the CBI Flying Tiger weathermen in the Pacific Theatre. Following his service, Al finished his dual master’s degree in education with the help of the G.I. Bill. Al enjoyed poker, and ginger dressing. He spoke little about the war. The pictures he took spoke volumes. Al often wondered what became of those he befriended. He contracted malaria in Burma and was sent to India. A tea farmer saved his life and after many years, the grandson befriended the family after a long search on Al’s part. While on leave in the service, he married Lillian Pisaro from Fountain Hill. They shared 50 years of unwavering devotion. There was never any unkind word towards each other. Al was devoted to caring for Lillian when diabetes ravaged her system. She loved to drive. He even taught her to drive with the amputated legs. Together, they reared all of their grandchildren. They are now reunited. Al taught Sciences (chemistry and physics), Mathematics (geometry and trigonometry), German I, was the audio/visual instructor (PBS). He also served as a class advisor at Springtown and Hellertown/Saucon Valley School Districts. He served as basketball and soccer coach; led science clubs; organized proms, Halloween parties, mini golf events, and Monte Carlo events. He even chauffeured students to and from the prom. Al received resolutions and proclamations from state Sen. Lisa Boscola, state Rep. Robert Freeman, former Hellertown Mayor Richard Fluck, Lower Saucon Township Council, Saucon Valley Community Center and Saucon Valley Conservancy. He received letters of commendation from former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush. He was a former Justice of the Peace in Hellertown (MDJ District 03-2-04). At that time, this position was in the family home. He dispensed justice, wisdom, and his wife’s mocha coffee. He revered local law, and the occasional luncheons with fellow judges and attorneys. He was a founding member and past president of Hellertown Historical Society. He assisted others in writing books with his extensive knowledge of local history, and a few dedicated them to him. Following in his father’s footsteps, he spearheaded preservation of not only the historical significance of a municipality, but its people’s heritages, and the buildings. Al often took extensive photos whilst visiting and interviewing local residents. As a past president of Lehigh Valley 1/4 Midget Club, Al enjoyed the competition and pastime of racing. At ages five through 16, both his sons and three of his grandchildren proudly represented good sportsmanship. He worked the concession stand, judged, and looked forward to outside events. He especially enjoyed the fairs that sold apple dumplings. Al believed in his membership of American Legion Post #9 Brown & Lynch as place for veterans to remember and reflect; and his membership to the Dewey Fire Company. His favorite memory from Dewey was stealing “Duecer” from the Hellertown Legion for a dollar more. As a founding member of The Pendulum Society, Al was instrumental in the details of formation and the message, and he chaired the history and preservation projects. His experience was beneficial to the capital building fund and his passion for educating those in his presence was insightful. Al as business owner, Hoppes Mower Sales & Service (Hellertown Lawn Service) had prestigious clients. Lehigh Valley Velodrome, Muhlenberg Hospital, Air Products & Chemicals, corporate officers, and multi billionaires. For 50 years, he provided employment to hundreds of local high school and college students. He always put out Pondelek’s geraniums to border entranceways to impress. He treated everyone equally. Al supported local businesses. He believed in supporting, befriending, getting to know each owner and their staff. He searched out “apple dumplings, kiffles, and fried dough” with a checklist and was only uppity with regards to milk. Which he sold while on summer break while he was a teacher. In every aspect, Al thrived on conversation and discord. The discussion of ideas brought forth forward thinking. He challenged every theory, every student of life to educate themselves, by learning something new and different...every day. He commanded respect and decorum by example, he defined freedom, expected not excellence but rather in marked failures. He believed that it is in those moments, courage of heart is forged.

Al is survived by his Sons: Frederic R. Hoppes (Barbara Kiprislis), Lieutenant Commander Retired David Hoppes (Susan). He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: S. Kitty Kovacs with whom he resided; Chief E.O.D. Operator, USN Retired Jason, Samantha, Robby, and Erica; his seven great grandchildren, and his great great grandchild. Al was predeceased by his beloved wife Lillian Pisaro Hoppes, his brother Robert (Jeanne), and his sisters Mildred (Henry) Laubach and Robert (Ike) Eisenhart.

Al will be laid to rest with full military honors at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021 in Union Cemetery, 81 N. Main Street, Hellertown.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to The Pendulum Society, www.thependulumsociety.org. Visit his “Book of Memories” and share your memories, stories and photos with his family at falkfuneralhomes.com.