Frank P. Muzopappa

Frank P. Muzopappa, 91, of Richmond Township, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2022, in the care of Lehigh Valley Hospital. He was the widower of Paula (Schroeder) Muzopappa, who passed away in 2008.

Born in Penowa, Jefferson Township, Washington County, PA, to the late John and Adeline (Rotundo) Muzopappa, Frank graduated from Avella High School in 1948. He served in the US Marine Corps from 1952‐1954. It was in the Corps he discovered his calling, that of a teacher. He completed his undergraduate studies at West Liberty State College of Wheeling, WV, where he met his wife, Paula, and went on to complete his Master's and Doctorate in biology at West Virginia University.

Dr. Muzopappa taught at several colleges and universities, including his alma mater of West Liberty State College. He retired in 1992 from Kutztown University's biology department. During his tenure at Kutztown, he was instrumental in the development of the medical technology program and taught microbiology to countless nursing students in Berks and Lehigh counties.

Frank was proud of his humble upbringing and described portions of it in a collection of stories contained in a book he authored in 2012, titled "Penowa". He was a frequent contributor to the Jefferson Township historical society newsletter.

He was a member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church of Hamburg and its Holy Name Society, where he was a faithful volunteer serving as the chief dishwasher and coffee maker for various events held in the church social hall. St. Mary Church was his favorite place to be and he never had to be asked twice to help out in any way that he could.

Frank loved his family, being out in nature, and animals. His family often included foundling cats and dogs that he and wife Paula gave a home to. He was an avid bird watcher and always maintained at least two bird feeders in his yard along with bluebird houses. Although he taught all classes in biology, his love was botany. He continued to share his passion of indigenous plants to visitors of the Dreibelbis Farm on wildflower walks. Opening any book in his home could reveal a stem and leaves pressed for future use. He looked forward to the beginning of spring every year, and was joyous at the first signs of wildflowers in the area, particularly trillium and bloodroot. He was a fantastic gardener, and would plant a large garden every year.

Left to treasure Frank's memory are his children: Laura A. Ludovici (Edward Jr.) of Hamburg; Lisa R. Davidavage (Paul) of Bernville; John F. Muzopappa of Fleetwood; and Paul F. Muzopappa (Amy) of Boyertown. Frank is also survived by his grandchildren: Kathryn Alley; Edward Ludovici III; Olivia Ludovici; Catherine Muzopappa; James Muzopappa; Anastasia Muzopappa; and Nicholas Muzopappa; and one great grandchild, Kateri Alley. In addition to his wife and parents, Frank was predeceased by his granddaughter, Sarah Alley, and his brother, Anthony Muzopappa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 94 Walnut Rd, Hamburg PA, 19526. Friends and family are welcome to gather in the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private.

Contributions in Frank's memory may be made to St. Mary Church Memorial Fund, 94 Walnut Road, Hamburg, PA 19526. Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home is honored to assist Frank's family in arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.BurkeyDriscoll.com