Dr. Samuel J. Dolgopol

     Dr. Samuel J. Dolgopol Ph.D., 83 of Lehighton, Pa. passed into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 26th at Heritage Hill Senior Living Community in Weatherly, Pa. while receiving hospice care through Maylath Valley Health Systems.  He was best known as "Doc" to most people.  Samuel was born Sunday, June 18, 1939 in Milmay, New Jersey.  He was the son of Antoinette L.(DeGugliamo) Dolgopol and Samuel W. Dolgopol.  He was the son of parents that owned a poultry farm and oldest of five siblings.  On August 10, 1963 he married Beverly (Gabert) Dolgopol.  They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.  Beverly currently resides at St. Luke's Summit Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

     Samuel graduated from Rider College in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Glassboro State College in 1969 with a Master of Arts in Special Education/MEd in Educational Administration, and Walden University in 1982 with a Doctor of Philosophy.  He also received professional certificates, including his Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility through Lehigh University.

     Samuel started his teaching career at a public school in New Jersey before moving to his wife's hometown of Lehighton, Pa.  He became Principal of the Carbon County High School in Packerton, Pa. and supervisor of special classes at the Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21.  Samuel also worked at Palmerton Area High School before retiring in 1999 after 32 years in education.  He continued working as a Behavioral Psychologist through his private practice until retirement in May 2022.  

     Samuel was named Educator of the Year in 1982 and Citizen of the Year in 1988 by the Lehighton Area Chamber of Commerce.  He held many affiliations with numerous civic and fraternal groups in Carbon County, as well as providing consulting through his private practice.  He was involved in the Carbon County Action Committee for Human Services, the Carbon County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Gnaden Huetten Hospital Festival Corporation Board, the Carbon County office of Children and Youth Advisory Board, the Carbon/Monroe/Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services Advisory Board Chairman, Youth Forestry Camp, the Bethesda Day Treatment program, along with working throughout the Carbon County Court System and with the Carbon County Prison.  Samuel was a two-time past President for the Lehighton Rotary Club, an active member of the Nis Hollow Hunting Club, a member of the American Legion Post 314 and a Mason at Lehighton Lodge No. 621.  He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Lehighton, Pa.

     Samuel enjoyed golf, watching Penn State football, hanging with the Dunkin Donuts gang for his daily latte, and was an avid hunter.  His greatest joy was watching and playing baseball.  He was an accomplished/amateur baseball player whose skills paved the way for a college education.

     Samuel is survived by: wife, Beverly (Gabert) Dolgopol, Lehighton; son, Kris Dolgopol, Lehighton; daughter & her husband, Kathy (Dolgopol) Vargas & Jose Vargas, Lehighton; grandson, Julien Vargas, Lehighton; sisters, Pauline, Linda, Denise and Donna, New Jersey; niece and goddaughter, Heather, Vineland; niece, Tara, New Jersey; nephews, Billy, Jesse, Marco, New Jersey; and predeceased nephew, Dennis.

      The family has requested private arrangements through Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home, 190 South Fourth Street, Lehighton, Pa. 18235.

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