Obituaries
Obituary for John S. Dopsovic
John S. (Dipper) Dopsovic, 91, a resident of Reston, Virginia since 2001 and a long-time resident of Catasauqua, was called to the Lord on April 18, 2007. Born in Catasauqua on March 8, 1916, he was the son of John Dopsovic and Julia (Olenich) Dopsovic and the husband of the Dorothy (Schenk) Dopsovic who pre-deceased him in 2002 after 51 years of marriage. Affectionately known by his friends as “Dipper” he was a 1935 graduate of Catasauqua High School where he was known for his skills on the gridiron. Before World War II, was employed in the Rigging Department of Bethlehem Steel Co, played semi-pro football with the local Trojans and boxed professionally. During World War II he served his country honorably in the 78th Construction Battalion (Seabees) and was stationed in New Guinea, the Solomon Island and Admiralty Islands where he constructed airfields, ports, bridges and other infra-structure projects. After the War he was employed as a structural ironworker out of Local 36 for over 35 years. In 1958 and 1960 he worked in Greenland on The Ballistic Missile Early Warning System, and between 1970 and 1977 he was the General Foreman in charge of the Ironworkers that constructed PP&L’s Martin Creek power station. Dipper was instrumental in developing local amateur boxing programs, including founding the Bethlehem Boxing Club for the City of Bethlehem; running the Lehigh University intramural boxing program in the 1960s and 1970s; managing the Lehigh University Boxing Club which achieved the 1979 Championship of the Eastern Collegiate Boxing Association and produced several Lehigh boxers who attained prominence in the National Collegiate Boxing Association; and organizing amateur fight nights sponsored by Ring 23 at the Americus Hotel in Allentown in the late 1970s. Dipper also managed two local boxers, Angel Cruz and Angel Marrero, into the professional ranks where they achieved national recognition. His passions also included reading, photography, painting, golfing and being a great friend. Dipper will be greatly missed for his charm and wit. He was a member of St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church of Catasauqua. Survivors: Son, Atty. David A. Dopsovic of Reston, VA, daughter-in-law Janet and grandson Matthew; sister Eva Fox of Bethlehem, Pa; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services: Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Tuesday in St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church second and Chapel Streets N.Catasauqua. Call 7:00 to 8:30 pm Monday and 9:30 to 10:30 am Wednesday in the John H. Brubaker Funeral Home 234 Walnut Street Catasauqua Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church or a charity of choice.
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