Gary W. Steppler, 76, of Hazleton, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Born September 7, 1946 in Bryn Mawr, PA, he was the son of the late Rensley Steppler and Frances Fear Steppler. He and the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Hope (Houston) Steppler, were married on January 27, 1968 in Pink Hill, North Carolina.
Gary served his country honorably and faithfully as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served in the Army from September 1968 to September 1971 and spent another four years in the United States Army Reserves.
Gary was an exceptional athlete for Haverford High School and Mount Olive College, where he played basketball and baseball.
Gary spent the majority of his career working in the carpet industry. He was a manager for Chesmont Carpet before moving on to co-own Gary's Carpet Depot in Stowe.
Gary was very active in his community. He was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Amityville, where he served as a deacon and elder. He also ran the take-out at the annual turkey supper. Gary was a member of the Pottstown Building Industries Exchange and was active with the Pottstown Home Show sponsored by the BIE. Most recently, Gary was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Fleetwood.
In retirement, Gary and Hope enjoyed traveling from Colorado to as far as a river cruise on the Danube. What made traveling special for Gary wasn't the destination, but rather the people he met along the way. Most of all, Gary cherished his family and truly enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Hope, are his two daughters, Julie M. Steppler, Royersford, and Vicki J. (Steppler) Pollard, wife of Justin L. Pollard, Golden, Colorado. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rilee, Addisyn, Quinn, Elizabeth and Colin.
A Celebration of Life for Gary will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 5 W. Arch Street, Fleetwood, with the Rev. John W. Folk and the Rev. Patrick W. Morris, offficiating.
A vistation will be held, Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary's memory to the Vakpo Fu School Bus, c/o St. Paul's UCC Church, 5 W. Arch St., Fleetwood, PA 19522 or electronically at https://secure.myvanco.com/YPKJ/home . This project is an effort in Ghana, West Africa, to provide school transportation to children who live in remote areas. Gary and Hope visited Ghana in the spring of 2014 to support this mission.
Walbert Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be caring for Gary and his family. Online condolences may be offered at WalbertFuneralHome.com.
Tim Milligan
How very sad. Gary and were friends from Brookline through highschool. As time passes, and we lose close friends, it reminds us of our own mortality. The world was a better place with Gary in it. My heart felt condolences go out to his family.
Norman Manno
Very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Condolences to his family. RIP Gary.Carole Udin (Gekoski)
So sorry to hear this. I knew Gary since 5th grade when my family moved to Havertown, and we went to Brookline Elementary School, He was always friendly, kind and nice. He was tall and I was short (even shorter now), and when we were matched up for dancing classes at school, it was a funny combination. My condolences to his family.
Gerry Curtin
I live in Atlanta and had planned a trip to Penn State for last Friday's (1/27) wrestling meet vs Iowa (#1 vs #2). Therefore, since was so close, had arrnged with Hope to visit Gary, her, and Vickie at the hospital in Allentown. I spent about an half hour visiting on Saturday, 1/28,, and knew from sight as well as being told by Hope and Vickie that Gary did not have long before he would pass along to the Lord, He was a very good guy and a good friend. We all will miss him, but none nearly as much as his wonderful wife and family . I played on many teams with Gary, and enjoyed his attitude, efforts, and talents on all occasions. May he RIP
Carl Everett
Duke Duke Duke of Earl. RIP
Bill Marimow
I first met Gary in 5th grade at Brookline School, and we became friends in the next few years, shooting baskets at the 9-foot hoop in the driveway of my parents' house not far from his home on Earlington Rd. and shooting pool in my basement. Although I hadn't seen Gary since our 50th reunion, we exchanged emails from time to time and notes on Facebook. From all Gary's posts, it's crystal clear how much he loved his family and the travel adventures they shared. A good man, gone too soon.
Phyllis Harriet Plotnick
The world has lost a truly gentle man. I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I will always remember his easy ways, sincere concern and wonderful hugs. 🙏🏽🕊💗Craig McGarvey
As I wrote to Hope a couple of months ago, Gary and I were teamed together in a job with the plumbers unit for the school district the summer after Junior Year. I believe that Bill Taggart's dad, who was on the school board, got me appointed. We started the summer cleaning the high school boilers. Each day we went home covered with soot like something from a Charles Dickens novel. I'd guess the district no longer has student hires doing that work. For the remainder of the summer we were at various elementary schools, painting basement ceilings, sweating copper fittings, and using jack hammers. Skill building! And a bonding experience. We took home, with gratitude, $60 a week. May Gary rest in peace, and may his family find healing.