Gordon Phol Schopfer, 96, went to
be with Jesus on Dec. 19, 2012, with
his family at his bedside. He was born in
Article Photos
Gordon Phol Schopfer
West Leyden, N.Y., to Earl E. and Erma
C. Schopfer May 5, 1916.
The family moved to Syracuse in
1920. He attended public schools with
significant interest in the Boy Scouts,
playing the trumpet and entrepreneurship.
He earned distinction in archery,
by winning the 1934 Junior
Championship of the United States.
He furthered his education as a graduate
of the Syracuse University School
of Architecture in 1939. He was a member
of Psi Upsilon fraternity. After graduation
he apprenticed in New York City
and Washington, D.C., where he was a
supervising architect for the production
of working drawings for the Pentagon
complex.
He served his country for 3 1/2 years
by enlisting in the 332nd Engineering
Regiment of the Army Corp of
Engineers as a captain, supply officer
and a recipient of the Bronze Star in the
European Theater.
Returning home, he met and married
Rhonda F. Reed of Geneva, N.Y.,
moved back to Syracuse and founded
Schopfer Architects in 1948. His
firm, through his leadership, gained
distinction in a wide scope of practice;
including churches, banks, commercial
and residential projects, all of
which bore his unique stamp.
Spanning a career of working and
building in downtown Syracuse, he
was an urban innovator and key leader
in the creation and promotion of a new
planned civic core called the
Community Plaza. As a direct result,
he was chosen by I.M. Pei and
Partners to be one of the principle,
supervising architects for the Everson
Museum project.
Schopfer Architects continues today
dedicated to maintaining the high professional
standards established by its
founder. Gordon and Ronnie retired to
Sanibel Island in 1986 where they
became actively involved in community
affairs.
Gordon contributed his time and talents
to the Sanibel Community
Association, Lions, The Military
Officers of America and the Lake
Murex Association. His architectural
background was well appreciated and
utilized in a consultative way, which
Gordon thoroughly enjoyed. Gordon
and Ronnie went North every summer to
enjoy boating with family and friends on
the St. Lawrence River, returning to
Florida before the permafrost settled in.
His quiet wisdom and subtle
strength made him a sought-after
voice of experience to family and
friends alike. He truly was one of
"The Greatest Generation's" finest.
His passing has left a huge hole in the
hearts of his friends, family and long
time special friend, JoAnn Bock.
Gordon's involvement with the
Community House began, first as a volunteer,
and later as a long-time member
of the SCA Board of Directors. He
played a central role in SCA's property
acquisition and development efforts. In
recognition of his important contributions,
he was named Director Emeritus
of the SCA, and in 2009 he was further
honored with creation of the Gordon
Schopfer Lifetime Achievement Award
for service to SCA. He will be sorely
missed.
Gordon was predeceased by his
parents, Erma and Earl, beloved wife
of 53 years Ronnie, and his brother,
Ralph. He is survived by his sons, Dr.
Gary (Connie) R. Schopfer of
Liverpool, N.Y., E. Kevin (Carol)
Schopfer of Weston, Mass., grandchildren,
Cynthia (Keith) Langford of
Kissimee, Fla., Courtney Duclos
Schopfer of New York, N.Y., Andrew
(Jana) E. Schopfer of Poughkeepsie,
N.Y., and two great grandchildren,
Reed Daniel and Tessa Louise.
A celebration of his life will be
held at the Sanibel Community
Association on Thursday, Feb. 21, at
3:30 p.m. for family and friends.
There will be a reception following
the gathering.
Contributions can be made to the
Sanibel Community Association,
2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL
33957.
