Gordon Pohl Schopfer

Gordon Pohl Schopfer, 96, went to be with Jesus on December 19, 2012 with his family at his bedside. He was born in West Leyden, New York 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 31/2 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 his wife, Ronnie, retired to Sanibel Island, Florida in 1986 where they became actively involved, contributing time and talents to the Sanibel Community Association. Gordon and Ronnie would come 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 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, NY, E. Kevin (Carol)Schopfer of Weston, MA, grandchildren, Cynthia(Keith)Langford of Kissimee, FL, Courtney Duclos Schopfer of New York, NY Andrew(Jana) E. Schopfer of Poughkeepsie, NY, and two great grandchildren, Reed Daniel and Tessa Louise.

A memorial service will be held at the Reformed Church of Syracuse, on Saturday January 12, 2013 at 10 A.M. Interment will be privately held at Woodlawn Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Schopfer Scholarship Fund of the Reformed Church of Syracuse, 1228 Teall Avenue, Syracuse, N.Y. 13206.