Obituary of Donald L. Stopp

On December 15, 2014 Donald Louis Stopp lost his life in a car accident in Palmetto, Florida. Born on March 15, 1928, the son of Marcus M. and Dorothy R. Stopp, he grew up in Pen Argl, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the United States Army, assigned to the Medical Corp stationed in Seoul, South Korea (1946-48). Afterwards, he attended the Forman School in Litchfield, Connecticut, in preparation for study at Duke University. He received a BA in American History from Duke and subsequently attended East Stroudsburg University to become certified to teach in the public schools of Pennsylvania. Likewise, he became certified in New York State through courses studied at Canisius College and Buffalo State. In 1967, Don married Dr. Jacklin Bolton, an associate professor at the University of Buffalo. Soon after, he began taking business courses at Canisius College and the University of Buffalo. In 1975, he created Timesavers Maps which he wholesaled primarily in the Northeastern states. In 1981, he started a companion retail store named Pac'n Ship, located in the Sheridan Harlem Square in Amherst, NY. After selling Pac n' Ship in 1985, he returned Timesavers to Lockport. It was sold in 1991 at which time Don retired but still remained active in the International Map Dealers Association, Dallas, Texas of which he was a charter member (1981). A member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lockport, he sang in its choir as well as in its Patchwork Singers. Don was also a member of the Lock City Glee Club and the Lockport Chorale. In addition, while in Florida he was a member of the Anna Maria Island Chorus and Orchestra and the Palmetto Presbyterian Church Choir. Besides singing, his interests included sports, history and writing autobiographical articles pertaining to his childhood in Pennsylvania. Donald served on the board of the Niagara County Historical Society for which he prepared its Erie Canal exhibit. He was a member of the Canal Task Force and he played a major role in bringing the Challenger Learning Center Space program to Lockport while serving on it's initial board. Don was active in the Kiwanis Club of Lockport during which time he received recognition as Volunteer of the Year (1997-98). He was also recognized in Florida on a TV special for his years in Korea. Don's love of music, particularly American music resulted in his joining the Sonneck Society, presently known as the Society for American Music along with his wife Jacklin. As a result they devoted their energies to tracing the career of A.N. Johnson and over time collected over a thousand 19th century tune books most of which are now showcased in the library of the University of Maryland. Above all Don was a very kind and generous man with a deep love and respect for his wife, country, education and the arts. He also loved to bake cookies for his friends and those who might be ill. His caring for others was at the heart of his map business and at the core of his business successes. He will be greatly missed. Don is survived by his devoted spouse of 46 years, Jacklin Bolton Stopp, a brother Robert, two sisters, Joanne Seese (Bryan) and Marilyn Mistry, a cousin Charles (Barbara) Stopp, several nieces and nephews and many supportive friends. A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Donald will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 21 Church Street, Lockport, New York on Saturday, June 27 at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Cold Springs Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Niagara Historical Society 215 Niagara St. Lockport, New York 14094 or the First Presbyterian Church 21 Church Street Lockport NY 14094 for their Wednesday night outreach dinners.