Paul Gopp

Paul David Gopp, age 62, of Bowerston, died Thursday, July 11, 2024, in his residence, following a period of declining health. 

Born on August 18, 1961, in Dover, Ohio, Paul was a son of the late David L. and Betty L. Riggle Gopp. 

He was a 1979 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and on May 7, 1988, on the family farm, Paul married the love of his life, the former Patricia Ann Crall. Together the couple have one son. 

For nearly two decades, Paul was employed by Yellow Freight at Brecksville where he served the company as a driver.  

To know Paul was to love his unique and outgoing personality. He loved life and loved having others around him to share in his stories, antics, and practical jokes. There wasn’t a place he would travel where he didn’t make a new friend or find a new bathroom to explore. He was well known for his “Paulisms”, special quotes or made-up anecdotes which were often inappropriate but impactful when shared. He also had a great knack for giving everyone he knew special nicknames even earning himself a few along the way. 

Paul was a wealth of information. One of the many ways he showed love was to share his knowledge of caring for trees, hunting, wildlife, driving tractors, and life lessons with his family and friends. He enjoyed sitting in his hunting blind watching nature happen around him, riding his Harley, driving his Jeep, smoking a good cigar, and drinking a good bourbon. But above all else, he loved his family and enjoyed countless vacations, and special moments together. 

In addition to his wife of 36 years, Paul is survived by his son, Lee Gopp of Columbus; a sister, Elizabeth (Russ) Shroyer of New Philadelphia; his niece Allison Shroyer; his nephew, Mitchell Shroyer; his “adopted” son and daughter, Michael and Michaela Szewczyk, and his beloved dog, Nelson. 

A casual brunch gathering, where family and guests are encouraged to wear their favorite funny t-shirts, will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 1:00PM. Following the gathering, Pastor Dan Parsons will lead a celebration of Paul’s life beginning at 1 PM.  

In honor of Paul’s love for nature and National Parks, the family has requested instead of floral tributes, contributions in Paul’s name be directed to the National Park Foundation, 1500 K Street NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20005 or by visiting: https://give.nationalparks.org.