Dr. Harold Stopsky

Dr. Fred Stopsky, aged 93, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 21, 2023 with his dear wife, Kate, by his side.
Fred was born to Rubin and Gertrude in the Bronx, New York, and remained a Bronx boy at heart throughout his life, telling stories of the neighborhood often.
Fred served his country in the Army during the Korean War years. His connection to the armed services led him to start a program for returning Vietnam veterans to become teachers in later years. He will be laid to rest with military honors, as was his wish.
When asked recently what he was most proud of, Dr. Stopsky mentioned three things - helping to found the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum; his teaching; and his children and grandchildren.
He said he was proud of the work for the Holocaust Museum, as it was the culmination of a life dedicated to educating people about the ravages of discrimination, in the belief that it is only through education and understanding one can promote peace.
Dr. Stopsky was so proud of being a teacher. He taught in high schools, and at Webster University for decades. When asked if one should call him "professor" or "teacher," he said, "Teacher!" and that his joy was in helping each student to find their unique gift. He taught Social Studies, American History, and Teacher Education. He was a brilliant teacher and his dedication to educating the teachers of the St. Louis area lives on through them. He was especially proud of the teachers he taught in southern Missouri, where he taught about the Holocaust. This once earned him the attention of and a meeting with Elie Wiesel, a high point in his life.
But most of all, Fred was proud of his children and grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen, his son David (Lucy) Stopsky, his three daughters, Rina (Pete) Cooper, Deborah Stopsky, and Elizabeth (Justyn) Howard, his stepchildren, Kathleen Justmann and Ronnie (Kathy) Henerfouth, and his grandchildren, Mia, Henry, and Emmett, who brought him special joy.

Fred will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 1:30 pm. A funeral procession will depart from Newcomer Funeral Home of West County at 12:30 pm, 2211 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield. A small gathering at Friendship Village of Chesterfield will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.

To share a memory of Fred or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.