ALTAMONT — Gerald “Gerry” Thomas Nopper Sr., a proud firefighter and a man of great faith, died peacefully Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at his home in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was 81.

“He took a lot of pride in serving his community, helping people and being a fireman,” said his son, Robert Nopper. “He was a real good man.”

Born in Albany on Sept. 25, 1940, Mr. Nopper was a son of Harry and Alice Nopper.

He came from a family with a strong military tradition and served in the United States Navy between the Korean and Vietnam wars. Two of his sons went on to serve in the military.

Mr. Nopper was a member of the American Legion Post 997. “He took a lot of pride in the military,” his son said.

Mr. Nopper worked as a fireman for the city of Albany for 25 years and, after he moved with his family to Altamont in 1968, he became a volunteer with the Altamont Fire Department, working his way up to assistant chief, his son said.

He was a hands-on father and later grandfather and great-grandfather, his son said. “He was totally into all the kids — they didn’t even have to be his own kids,” his son said.

Mr. Nopper and Richie Sanderson started a youth program in Altamont in the old firehouse on Maple Avenue. “There was a game room and couches so kids could relax and be kids,” his son said.

“He loved playing with his grandchildren — playing sports or swimming. He always had a pool or was in the water at Sacandaga,” his son said. Mr. Nopper would jump in the water with the children, he said, and keep his focus on them, which is evident in looking at family pictures. 

“He was always looking at the children, not at the camera,” said Robert Nopper.

Mr. Nopper was raised in the Catholic church, his son said. When the family moved to Altamont, he joined St. John’s Lutheran Church. “We went to church every Sunday, and to Sunday school, and Bible study, and to the youth group. He was a mentor,” said Robert Nopper. “He encouraged his children to love God.”

In his later years, Mr. Nopper became a born-again Christian, his son said.

After retiring from the Albany Fire Department, Mr. Nopper moved to be with his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Nopper, and two of his sons to Florida, splitting his time between St. Petersburg and his home in the Adirondacks where he spent his summers.

“He had a lot of dear friends,” said his son. “He led his life to the fullest. He marched to the beat of his own drum …. I know he’s with God now.”

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Gerald Thomas Nopper Sr. is survived by his children, Gerald T. (Patti Noack) Nopper Jr., Alice Dean, Marilyn (John) Rickard, Robert (Cori) Nopper, and James Joseph (Lisa) Nopper.

He is also survived by his stepchildren, Cheryl Good, Melissa Charlebois, and Keith Vetter, and by his siblings Elaine (Lee) Sweeney, Harry Nopper, William (Darlene) Nopper and many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is also survived by his former wife, Rose Przysiecki.

He will be remembered fondly by his cherished friends, Winston LaPierre and his wife, Pat, and Kathy Marra.

His wife and parents died before him, as did his siblings, Janet Nopper, Ronald Nopper, Paul Nopper, Joseph Robert Nopper, and John W. Nopper, and his stepson, Damien Amodeo.

A funeral service was held at Fredendall Funeral Home in Altamont on March 20. Interment will be in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Altamont Fire Department, 115 Main Street, Altamont, NY 12009.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer