Stephen L. Christopoulos, 72, of Emmaus, died at his home July 24, 2025, two years after a cancer diagnosis.

He was born in Gardiner, Maine, to John and Marilyn Christopoulos. He loved his Maine roots and the Maine woods and always called himself a Mainiac.

He enlisted in the Army after two years of community college and while enlisted, earned a ROTC scholarship and attended Niagara University. He served in Texas, earned his Ranger tab and had two tours to Germany, making him a Cold Warrior. He rose to the rank of captain serving in tanks in the “Hell on Wheels” 2nd Armored Division.

After the Army, he earned a master’s degree in health administration at Southwest Texas University but struggled to find commensurate employment, briefly managing a Whataburger (only in Texas!) before becoming a manager at AMC Theatres in Houston, where he met his future wife, Eileen “Lenni” Maguire, a fellow AMC manager. They were both transferred to Pennsylvania and were married nearly 37 years.

He held positions at Day-Timer, National Liberty, Rodale Press and Easton Hospital for nine years, followed by a position at Lehigh Valley Health Network as director of decision support for 16 years until he retired in 2018.

In retirement, he volunteered as an instructor for Women on Target, introducing women to the shooting sports. He was an excellent amateur gunsmith, perfecting his favorite firearm, the best handgun ever produced, the 1911. He shared his smithing knowledge on several 1911 gun forums online, where he was known as “Steve in Allentown” and was held in high regard.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons, Sean and his partner, Erika, Colin and his wife, Callie; younger sisters, Kim and Beth; many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life with military honors will be held noon Aug. 16 in Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main St., Emmaus, 18049. Visitation will be 11 a.m. to noon in the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the Allentown Rescue Mission, 355 Hamilton St., Allentown, 18101.