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- Richard Packard Klopp, formerly of Devon and Villanova Richard Packard Klopp of John’s Island, Vero Beach, formerly of Devon and Villanova, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 17, 2016 at the age of 94. He was known as Dad, Dick or Papa by his family, friends and fans, of which he had scores. He was the consummate gentleman and family man - dapper and delightful to the end. Dick was born in 1921 in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of Mercersburg Academy and Cornell University, Class of ’43, with a degree in Chemical Engineering. While there, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. In 1942 he interrupted his studies to enlist in the US Military as 1st Lieutenant in Field Artillery during World War II, serving his country for three and a half years, spending one year in the Pacific. Honor and service were of utmost importance to Dick. In 1944 he married the love of his life, Louise Henry, after several years of ardent pursuit. Whenever he spoke of Louise, his eyes sparkled as he remembered being “smitten” from the start, convincing his friend to switch girls on a double blind date. They enjoyed a wonderful devoted marriage for nearly 60 years, until her death in 2004. From 1968 to 1983, Dick was Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalytic, Inc. He retired from the company in 1986 after 34 years of service. During his years in Philadelphia, Dick was active with organizations near and dear to his heart as Chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Junior Achievement of Delaware Valley, Chairman of the Philadelphia Area Labor-Management Committee. He also found time to serve on the Boards of the Metro YMCA, Pennsylvania State Chamber, Drexel University, Franklin Institute World Affairs Council and Cornell Medical Center. In the 1980’s he was elected President of the Philadelphia Country Club and in 1982 received the Distinguished Pennsylvanian Award in recognition of his contribution to civic and community affairs. After retiring Dick spent his time pursuing his recreational passions, golf, tennis and bridge at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach Florida. And as he approached everything in life with great enthusiasm and vigor, he was quite successful in his endeavors. He was known as “a sport”. In 2014, at the young age of 93, he parachuted from an airplane at Skydive Sebastian. He announced this accomplishment only after its successful conclusion, to his hysterical family. He was disappointed that they did not allow him to jump out of the plane wearing the cap of his beloved Philadelphia Phillies. He is survived by his brother Frederick Klopp, and wife Sharon, of Bonita Springs, Florida, daughter Deborah Freas, and husband, David, of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, son John Klopp, and wife Karen Klopp, of New York City. His grandchildren Adam, Jake and Kelly Klopp, Whitney Nelson and great grandchildren Kevin Freas and Carter Johnson will miss him greatly.
Published in Main Line Media News on Jan. 24, 2016
Gravesite Details
Joint tombstone with spouse Louise at Tulpehocken Trinity UCC, Myerstown, Lebanon Co., PA has not been updated as of December 2018.
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1921 - 2016 (94 years)
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