Clifford Cordell Chopp

Clifford "Cliff" Cordell Chopp, 80, of Pickerington, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, at Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital due to congestive heart failure.

Born on August 11, 1945, in Lakewood, Ohio, to Chester and Doris (Hayes) Chopp, Cliff graduated from Lakewood High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967. After his service, he built a long and dedicated career, working for many years at the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and later at American Greetings.

Cliff lived in several Ohio communities throughout his life, including Lakewood, Olmsted Township, and Groveport, before making his home in Pickerington. A lifelong fan of Cleveland professional sports, he cheered passionately for his teams through every season. He found great joy in the simple pleasures—curling up with a good book, sharing a hearty laugh, and enjoying a well-made cocktail with family and friends.

In Cleveland, Ohio, he married his best friend, Theresa (Thomas), and together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. Cliff was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy came from time spent with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Theresa; son Christopher and his wife Christine (Benedict); daughter Wendy; and cherished grandchildren Jackson and Nick.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Doris Chopp, and his siblings Lois (Loveless), Carlton (Bud), and Charles.

There will be no formal service, but a Celebration of Life is planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cliff's memory may be made to the Cleveland Zoological Society.

Cliff will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his kindness, steadfast presence, patriotic service, and the love he poured into his family. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, quiet strength, and appreciation for life's everyday joys that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.