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Eric Stieffenhofer Left Us Smiling!

Eric and Bee dancingEric Stieffenhofer almost made it to his 81st birthday. He liked marking milestones and he had had many in his life. You couldn’t sit in his and his wife, Bernice’s (Bee’s), living room without him pointing out to you his wedding picture proudly hanging over the mantle.

Married for 56 years, he always said it was destiny because you could find the letters of his name, B E R N I C E. A real love story they had. They met at the Fairmount Wallet factory where they both worked. In fact, they were both engaged to someone else. Eric was right about that destiny – they broke off their engagements and the result was five children, Lori, Krae, Beth, Mark and Tara and 12 grandchildren so far.

Initially settling in the Hunting Park area, the family moved to Northwood in 1974. They liked the diversity of the people and had very good neighbors. Beth tells the story of one of the neighbors asking about Eric only to learn that he had really just died. The man stopped and stood in the middle of their street upon hearing this news.

Eric would stop many people walking by as he sat on the front steps. Whether he knew you or not, he soon had you engaged in conversation. You would think you knew him all your life. No matter how he was feeling, Eric always wanted to lift others up. He would do that with a joke. Even the way he told them, you were intently listening until the punch line.

Truly, Eric put the “Pop” in “Pop Pop” as the grandchildren called him. Pop Pop would do the silliest things to keep them entertained. They loved to be with him and his family was most important. He would wrestle with the kids and always showed an interest in whatever they cared about. His granddaughter, Megan, would do puzzles with him on the iPad. His family just loved being with him because he was so much fun. He knew a lot about sports and there’s a lot you can learn from the game shows that he and Bee would watch. Eric was a favorite uncle, too. Eric loved parties and dancing; he knew how to enjoy life.

Eric and Bee were VIP’s, very important parishioners of St. Joachim. I used to see Eric at Mass, and he struggled with health issues that would have stopped anyone else in their tracks, but he was able to keep going.

During one of my visits, he showed me how he kept up with all the Keep the Faith in Frankford news on his iPad as we worked to reopen St. Joachim. I was impressed. Eric took the closing of the church, very, very hard. In fact, his family felt that when his beloved St. Joachim closed in June, 2013, that his health declined further as a result.  He truly believes St. Joachim will reopen. He recounted a vision he had one day and told me he knew the Church would open again. I believe, Eric and we sure are trying!

Eric had special powers. One of them was his sense of humor, a gift he shared freely with all those he came into contact with. His son, Mark, during Eric’s funeral Mass, began a eulogy to his father by telling all gathered a joke. That made us all feel a little better. We all smiled. Eric was still lifting us up and reminding us to smile. We won’t forget to “hear the laughter”, Eric, and we won’t forget you either. You are a part of all of us. There won’t be much resting in peace in heaven as you’ve already had them laughing with a few good jokes!

 

 

 

 

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Coming Up in Frankford

  • Frankford Civic Association MeetingNext Week In Frankford
    When – Thu, November 5, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – Frankford Hospital – 2nd floor conference room (map)
  • Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
    When – Sun, November 8, 12pm – 5pm
    Where – 4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: Civil War Santa Claus Kevin Rawlins
  • Historical Society of Frankford program
    When – Tue, November 10, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
    Where – 1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – FRANKFORD AVENUE The Nation’s Newest National Historic Trail “Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route W3R-PA” Robert Selig, PhD National Historian W3R-USA Tuesday, November 10, 2009 7:30 pm HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF FRANKFORD Frankford Avenue is a newly-designated NPS National Historic Trail, part of the 685 miles of French (Rochambeau) & American (Washington) campsites from Newport RI to Yorktown VA, where a decisive victory securing American Independence was forged. Dr Selig, Nat’l W3R-USA Historian, has researched those sites & activities along Frankford Ave, & will discuss his publication and the possibilities for marking our NE Phila/Frankford Ave route. Also, The Color Guards of the Philadelphia-Continental Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, will perform a flag processional in uniform FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact W3R-PA cameo99@netzero.net 215-365-5550 The Historical Society of Frankford 1507 Orthodox Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 215-743-6030 www.frankfordhistoricalsociety.org Light Refreshments Served
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting
    When – Tue, November 17, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
  • Italian Style Family Dinner
    When – Wed, November 18, 4:30pm – 8:00pm
    Where – St. Joachim’s Church, 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 (map)
    Description – MARK YOUR CALENDAR Every Third Wednesday from September thru May Italian Style Family Dinner The Dinners will be served from 4:30 PM to 8 PM in Fitzmaurice Hall Take-out will be available. COST: $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Children. Come Join us!
  • Fall For Your Park at Overington Park
    When – Sat, November 21, 10am – 1pm
    Where – Overington Park, Leiper and Orthodox Streets (map)
    Description – Our next Friends of Overington Park event is on Saturday November 21, 2009, from 10am till 1pm. We will be planting a few trees, and racking up leaves, I hope some of your readers would like to attend. The event is called Fall For Your Park and will be going on around the city in over 60 parks. I hope to see you there.
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Coming Up in Frankford

Next Week In Frankford

  • Historical Society of Frankford program
    When – Tue, October 13, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
    Where – 1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – PLAYING CARDS and the AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Presented by Patricia Coyne. Learn of the evolution and role of playing cards in prompting the American Revolution and enjoy an annotated display of playing cards from last century. Following this brief program and display, attendees will be invited to view some of the cards in the Historical Society of Frankford’s collection, and share their own, personal playing card decks and stories.
  • Overington Park Craft Fair and Fall Fest
    When – Sat, October 17, 9am – 1pm
    Where – Overington Park, Leiper St and Orthodox St. (map)
    Description – Craft fair/ flea market. $5.00 per space, The Frankford Garden Club will be doing a bulb planting demonstration and answering your garden questions. We are also having face painting, a pumpkin patch, and other kid activities. Please come out and take a look, join your neighbors for our Friends Of Overington Park Fall Fest. (rain date of Oct. 24)
  • Frankford Friends School Fall Open House
    When – Sat, October 17, 11am – 1pm
    Where – 1500 Orthodox Street , Philadelphia , PA 19124 (map)
    Description – Looking for a quality, affordable, private education. . . Frankford Friends School invites you to their fall Open House October 6, 2009-Frankford Friends School cordially invites you to attend an Open House on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 11:00 am at 1500 Orthodox Street , Philadelphia , PA 19124 . Stop in to meet current teachers, talk with students, tour the facility and learn more about taking advantage of an excellent, affordable educational experience that will enhance and nurture your child’s experience. Frankford Friends School , pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, has been at its present historic, urban location since 1833. It provides a quality, affordable Quaker-based education, offering small classes with a strong academic base. Frankford Friends School has a rich history of providing an educational opportunity in a private setting as well as giving your children an experience that will truly make a difference in their lives. We place a high priority on providing foreign language exposure in Spanish through all grade levels. We focus on speaking and interacting in the language, developing vocabulary and grammar as the grades progress. Other classes taught include physical education, computer, art, music and handbells. For more information about our curriculum, open houses, events, etc. please call the school office at 215.533.5368 or visit our website www.frankfordfriendsschool.org.
  • St. Joachim’s annual Tricky Trays
    When – Sun, October 18, 11:30am – 3:00pm
    Where – St. Joachim’s Church, 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 (map)
    Description – St. Joachim’s Church located at 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 is having their annual Tricky Trays (A Giant Tombola) event on Sunday, October 18, 2009 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. on Fitzmaurice Hall. Adults are $3.00 and children (4 yrs. to 12 yrs.) are $2.00, this cost includes either a Hot Dog or Chili. Any questions, please call 215-535-0580. Join us for an afternoon of fun!
  • Innaugural Induction Ceremoines for the Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame
    When – Sun, October 18, 1pm – 3pm
    Where – Holy Family University (map)
    Description – The Inaugural Induction Ceremonies for the Northeast Hall of Fame will be held at Holy Family University Perzel Building.
  • Historical Society’s CENTER FOR NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA HISTORY’s “History Day”
    When – Sun, October 18, 1pm – 5pm
    Where – Holy Family University in the plaza between the Perzel Building and the Library. (map)
    Description – Historical Society’s CENTER FOR NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA HISTORY’s “History Day” is fast approaching. Various Northeast neighborhood, historical, and cultural groups will be setting up exhibits on their history at Holy Family University in the plaza between the Perzel Building and the Library.
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting
    When – Tue, October 20, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
  • Italian Style Family Dinner
    When – Wed, October 21, 4:30pm – 8:00pm
    Where – St. Joachim’s Church, 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 (map)
    Description – MARK YOUR CALENDAR Every Third Wednesday from September thru May Italian Style Family Dinner The Dinners will be served from 4:30 PM to 8 PM in Fitzmaurice Hall Take-out will be available. COST: $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Children. Come Join us!
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Coming Up in Frankford

  • Frankford Civic Association MeetingNext Week In Frankford
    When – Thu, October 1, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – Frankford Hospital – 2nd floor conference room (map)
  • Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
    When – Sun, October 4, 12pm – 5pm
    Where – 4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: Civil War Era Entertainment Dr Sid Copel
  • Mater Dolorosa 2nd Annual “Fall Gala”
    When – Sun, October 4, 2:00pm – 7:30pm
    Where – DiPinto’s Caterers, Torresdale & Frankford Ave (map)
    Description – 2 PM to 6 PM. DiPinto’s Caterers, Torresdale & Frankford Ave., Buffet Dinner, Beer, Wine & Soda, DJ, Tickets $35.00 can be purchased at Rectory 215-535-4036 or call Lou Altomari 215- 285-2067.
  • Overington Park Craft Fair and Fall Fest
    When – Sat, October 17, 9am – 1pm
    Where – Overington Park, Leiper St and Orthodox St. (map)
    Description – Craft fair/ flea market. $5.00 per space, The Frankford Garden Club will be doing a bulb planting demonstration and answering your garden questions. We are also having face painting, a pumpkin patch, and other kid activities. Please come out and take a look, join your neighbors for our Friends Of Overington Park Fall Fest. (rain date of Oct. 24)
  • St. Joachim’s annual Tricky Trays
    When – Sun, October 18, 11:30am – 3:00pm
    Where – St. Joachim’s Church, 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 (map)
    Description – St. Joachim’s Church located at 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 is having their annual Tricky Trays (A Giant Tombola) event on Sunday, October 18, 2009 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. on Fitzmaurice Hall. Adults are $3.00 and children (4 yrs. to 12 yrs.) are $2.00, this cost includes either a Hot Dog or Chili. Any questions, please call 215-535-0580. Join us for an afternoon of fun!
  • Innaugural Induction Ceremoines for the Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame
    When – Sun, October 18, 1pm – 3pm
    Where – Holy Family University (map)
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting
    When – Tue, October 20, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
  • Italian Style Family Dinner
    When – Wed, October 21, 4:30pm – 8:00pm
    Where – St. Joachim’s Church, 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 (map)
    Description – MARK YOUR CALENDAR Every Third Wednesday from September thru May Italian Style Family Dinner The Dinners will be served from 4PM to 8PM in Fitzmaurice Hall Take-out will be available. COST: $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Children. Come Join us!
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Coming Up in Frankford

  • PRESSURE COOKER on TV
    When – Sat, September 12, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, 4PM Sunday, and 1PM on Monday
    Where – BET Network Comcast channel 21 in PhilaDELPHIA (map)
    Description – On Saturday, September 12, BET, a division of Viacom, will premiere two compelling specials as part of the network’s ongoing education initiative and Viacom’s new Get Schooled platform — award-winning documentary PRESSURE COOKER.
  • PANCAKE BREAKFAST
    When – Sun, September 13, 8:30am – 12:00pm
    Where – St. Joachim’s Fitzmaurice Hall, 1527 Church Street, Philadelphia, PA (map)
    Description – The menu will include: Juice, Pancakes and Sausage, Coffee, Tea, Milk, and Pastry. The cost will be $5.00 for Adults and Children $3.00 (ages 4yrs to 12 yrs.). We will also offer the McB Sandwich (Muffin, Egg, Cheese, Pork Roll) for $3.00. Take-out will also be available. You could also treat your Grandparents for Grandparents Day!
  • SBN (Sustainable Business Network) Meet Me in a Minute Networking Event
    When – Wed, September 16, 6pm – 7pm
    Where – Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth Street (map)
  • Frankford Festival
    When – Sun, September 20, 11am – 4pm
    Where – Overington Park, Leiper St. and Orthodox St. (map)
    Description – The 10th Annual Frankford Festival will be taking place Sunday, September 20th from 11am-4pm in Overington Park (intersection of Orthodox and Leiper Streets). The festival is hosting The Northeast Philly Idol Contest where young singing talents will be competing for a cash prize. Other entertainment will include live music, rides, games, crafts, face painting, food and much more! The festival is sure to be a day full or family fun so don’t miss out!
  • Frankford Civic Association Meeting
    When – Thu, October 1, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – Frankford Hospital – 2nd floor conference room (map)
  • Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
    When – Sun, October 4, 12pm – 5pm
    Where – 4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: Civil War Era Entertainment Dr Sid Copel
  • Mater Dolorosa 2nd Annual “Fall Gala”
    When – Sun, October 4, 2:00pm – 7:30pm
    Where – DiPinto’s Caterers, Torresdale & Frankford Ave (map)
    Description – PM to 6 PM. DiPinto’s Caterers, Torresdale & Frankford Ave., Buffet Dinner, Beer, Wine & Soda, DJ, Tickets $35.00 can be purchased at Rectory 215-535-4036 or call Lou Altomari 215- 285-2067.