Frederick J. Stopielo

Frederick J. Stopielo, 82 of Springfield and formerly of South Orange, transitioned to heaven peacefully on Saturday, July 11th 2026.

Born in Newark, Frederick grew up in Orange, NJ and Seaside Heights NJ. He married his beloved wife Frances Stopielo (Ditta) that he affectionately called “Francy” on May 22, 1965. He was drafted in 1966 and deployed to Pleiku, Vietnam. While on security detail, guarding ammunition Freddy was ambushed and wounded in combat. When the Vietnamese soldiers came to kill those still alive...he played dead & they passed him by. He was the recipient of a Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal for his valiant service.

Freddy returned to NJ in 1968 with severe PTSD. He and Francy set out on a cross country trip to start a new life somewhere. Ultimately settling down in Phoenix, Arizona for a season. In 1977 they returned to make their permanent home in South Orange, NJ.

Freddy worked for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier first in Phoenix, Arizona and mainly in Livingston, NJ for 35 years until his retirement in 2006. He was a Deacon at Abundant Life Church - Springfield since 2018 and he was actively involved in many church-based activities and ministries.

Frederick was married to the late Frances Stopielo for 57 years until her transition in 2022. He was the father of Michael Stopielo and his wife Lori, Robert Stopielo and his wife Gina, Christina Stopielo, and the late Susan Stopielo; a devoted grandfather, affectionately known as “Pop” to Carly, Olivia, Gia and Cash Stopielo.

Freddy enjoyed watching the Mets, summers at the Jersey Shore, his daily meals and conversations at the diner and talking about the bible.
He most loved God, Family and Country.

We will be celebrating the life of Frederick Stopielo at Abundant Life Church located 35 Fadem Road, Springfield, NJ on Wednesday, July 15th.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family from 5:00PM to 6:30PM at the church.
The Celebration of his precious life will begin at 6:30PM and be followed by a buffet of his favorite foods and refreshments.

His body will be laid to rest on Thursday, July 16th at Rosedale Cemetery in Orange, NJ. All are welcome to meet at Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave. Union at 10:30AM for the procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to SOS - Samaritan Outreach Services.