Peter J. Kropp
Peter Jay Kropp, age 64, of Brewster, Massachusetts, passed away at home surrounded by his family on November 12. Born in New York City on June 21, 1951, and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, he was the youngest son of Leon and Evelyn (Herbert) Kropp, and little brother to Norman and Roberta. In 1969, he graduated from the Mount Hermon School in Gill, Massachusetts, where he had met the love of his life, Sheryl Powers, a coed at the neighboring Northfield School. After Peter graduated from Boston University in 1973, he and Sheryl married and moved to Cape Cod where Peter began his first career, as a third grade teacher at the Ezra H. Baker Elementary School in West Dennis. In 1981, Peter left teaching for a decade of commercial banking, as a branch manager for Sentry Bank and later for Bank of Boston. In the early 1990s, Peter began his third and final career, as a real estate appraiser, and in 2000, he co-founded Appraisal Services of Cape Cod & the Islands.

Peter was exuberant and playful. He was cheerful and welcoming. He was hardworking – a “doer.”  Peter was a member of the Rotary Club of Nauset for 28 years, serving twice as its President, and for several years as an Assistant Governor for District 7950. He exemplified Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” He volunteered countless hours to parent-teacher organizations, the Cape Cod Synagogue, his neighborhood association, homeless prevention organizations and many other causes.

Above all, Peter was happiest when with family and friends. Known as “Gumpy” to his grandchildren, he delighted in cheering little league games and applauding dance recitals.

Peter is survived by his wife, Sheryl (Powers) Kropp; son, Jason L. Kropp, his wife Sabreena, and their children, Calder Martin and Eliana Rose, of Wellesley, Massachusetts; son, Adam C. Kropp, of Scottsdale, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Carole (LaFlamme) Kropp; brother-in-law, Melvin Novick; mother-in-law, Shirley Powers; and brother-in-law, Charles T. Powers II and his wife Janet. Peter was predeceased by brother, Norman I. Kropp, and sister, Roberta (Kropp) Novick.

Peter’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation for the care and support provided by Drs. Wade and Sullivan and their teams at the Davenport Mugar Cancer Center, VNA of Cape Cod and Hope Hospice, as well as extended family, friends and other caregivers.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Sunday, November 22, 2015, at the Cape Cod Synagogue, 145 Winter Street, Hyannis, Massachusetts, with a reception to follow. A graveside remembrance will be planned for Spring 2016.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter’s memory to the Peter J. Kropp Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Rotary Club of Nauset, PO Box 1846, Orleans, Massachusetts 02653 (to benefit Nauset Regional High School students), or to Northfield Mount Hermon School, One Lamplighter Way, Mount Hermon, Massachusetts 01354 (to benefit a new early childhood education center).
 

Cheryl and all the family, You have been in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers - and especially today. Eileen and I were hoping to drive down to Hyannis to be at Peter's service, but with my organ job it just didn't seem to work out. I know it was a beautiful service, and we were there in spirit. Sending you sympathy, love, and warm hugs, Marcia and Cliff

Sheryl, Please accept my sympathy at Peter's death. It is difficult to picture in the mind one of you without the other. With blessings to you and your family--Holly (from Northfield so long ago).

Dear Sheryl and Family, My deepest sympathies to all on the passing of Peter. He was such a wonderful person and a great teacher. I was blessed to have taught with him and to have known him. His exuberant spirit and contagious smile will be forever in my heart and soul. Many prayers are sent to your family.

Sheryl, Our deep condolences to you and your family over the loss of Peter. I never realized he was born in NYC one day after me (June 20, 1951) and so I feel a strong bond with him. Sincerely, Pat

My wife and I are very saddened by your loss. We deeply respected Peter and ask God to heal and bless you as you mourn. We hurt with you!

Peter was a wonderful man.. He will be missed dearly..I have known him for 25 years and he was a dedicated client of Abercrombie Hair...the girls and I will miss seeing that cheerful soul walking through our door..God Bless you Peter... Diane and Rob and the Abercrombie Girls.......

Peter was the living example of "Service above Self". He will be missed by all.

So sorry for the early loss of a loving and giving person. My thoughts are with you and your family Sheryl. xo Judy Baker

i didn't know peter real well, but i know what it's like to lose my best friend/spouse in mid-voyage after a long and wonderful marriage (founded 42 years ago tomorrow at glyn jones's house on mt. hermon campus). here's a song for my wife, and mrs. sheryl. i wish there was a real salve for cannon wounds. spike ♬ searchers o, love makes the world go round, they say; love made the world, period, too: the Lord in an ecstasy started to play, made me, oceans, mountains, and you. now He paints all around us with infinite hand for reward of His bride’s vacant stare; His heart is on fire more than angels can stand, but love’s nothing when nobody’s there. well, i had a wife half a lifetime, who could make any desert place green, the Lord’s perfect gift, and the best rhyme me or most of the world’s ever seen... my heart is still smoking with instinct to give, far glimpses of heaven to share, but inside something’s dying that’s dying to live; love’s nothing when nobody’s there. will you push burning heart away, sweet friend, as if there’s some mischief afoot? can’t you see that this moment’s a Godsend, and the axe is laid right at the root? I still paint all around you with infinite hand, and I see something in you so rare, and for you I’m in ashes, don’t you understand? love’s nothing when nobody’s there. c. winsor wheeler 5-10-13

He was much loved and respected and will sorely be missed. God Bless him and his relatives.

Peter was a remarkable human being and a great asset to his family and community. We are lessened by his absence.

We have so many memories of fun and spiritual times shared with Peter, Sheryl and family. It must have taken a great deal out of Peter and Sheryl, as they came to NYS for Paul's memorial service in June. Prayers of thanks for knowing the Kropps. Joyce B

I will miss his spirit and advice. He was a good friend and a true Rotarian.

Regretfully I will not be able to attend Peter's memorial service as I have a prior commitment. I am sending my sincere condolences. Peter was a great man and an inspiration to us all.

Though I only knew Peter well for the four years we were roommates at BU, he was my best friend through those times and I miss him dearly. My very best to Sheryl and your children. I feel so filled with sadness, but and so glad that I had the chance to know Peter.

So sorry to see the passing of such a wonderful man. My prayers to Peter's family and friends. ❤ May God comfort you and give you strength in your time of loss.

I am so sorry to all of you for your loss. Mr. Kropp was a wonderful man, husband, and father.

Peter you will be missed by all, there are darned few people of your caliber in this world; it would be a better place if there were.

One of my very favorite fellow '69rs. Our class is smaller and less vibrant without Peter. My heartfelt condolences to you, Sheryl, and to your family. Bruce Plotkin