PRINCETON — A memorial service for Chester R. Stroup, a former Princeton schools supterintendent who led the merger of borough and township schools n the 1960’s, has been scheduled for Saturday Oct. 17 at the Princeton United Methodist Church.
Mr. Stroup died on Aug. 24, at age 93. His career in education spanned several decades, including landmark service in Princeton from 1946 to 1966. In addition to the pioneering work that led to the formation of a consolidated school district, Mr. Stroup also received national attention as a leader in efforts to integrate Princeton Borough elementary schools in the late 1940’s.
Having begun his career as a teacher of music, as well as science, in Georgetown, Delaware, Mr. Stroup is also remembered through the Stroup Music Fund, which supports public concerts. Donations to the fund, in Mr. Stroup’s memory, are being accepted by the Princeton United Methodist Church, in conjunction with the memorial service, which will begin at at 2 p.m. on Oct. 17.
Mr. Stroup’s extensive community service in Princeton included terms as a trustee of Princeton United Methodist Church, president of the Princeton Rotary, and membership on the board of Westminster Choir College.
Mr. Stroup’s first wife Kay, died in 1987. He is survived by his wife Catherine, sons Ralph and Fred, daughter Janet and their spouses as well as five grandchildren, four great-granddaughters, two stepchildren, their spouses and six step-grandchildren.
