Paul R. "Pops" Northrop

Paul R. Northrop “Pops” of Doylestown, PA, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, January 9, 2025. 

His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched across various communities, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Paul was a master storyteller, sharing the many experiences of his remarkable life with those around him. His earliest stories often took him back to his childhood as a ‘Whaler’ in North Wales, PA, where he grew up alongside his three sisters, Mary Northrop Walker, Sally Northrop MacCord, and Betty Northrop Hughes, and his brother, David Northrop. He fondly recalled the days when his father, David, built an impressive career in medicine and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Paul often referred to his mother, Ruth Hipelius Northrop, as one of the strongest women he ever knew, and her passing had a profound effect on him, shaping much of the man he would later become.

Paul often reminisced about his time at Lafayette College, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of his colleagues, before returning home when his mother fell ill. He later completed his education at La Salle University and embarked on a successful and fulfilling career in sales and business. Many of Paul’s most memorable stories, however, revolved around the colorful characters he encountered in both business and drag racing.

Paul’s life, shared with the love of his life for 60 years, Barbara (Bebes), and their five sons—Dave (Tracy), Paul Jr., Tim (Tracey), Dan (Jeanne), and Tom (Kim)—was filled with love, compassion, and countless unforgettable adventures. He was a man of bold decisions, from spending the $400 he had saved for new cylinder heads on an engagement ring for Bebes, to founding his own business, ISC Salesmaster Corp. His passion for life also took him across the country in pursuit of the coveted NHRA Drag Racing Series Wally, embodying the spirit of adventure that defined him.

Despite all his success, Paul often spoke of his love for music, lamenting that he wished he had learned to play an instrument. Yet, as friends and family gather to celebrate his life during this time of sorrow, it’s clear that Paul did, in fact, ensemble his own band. Through his stories and interactions, he made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him, composing the music of life in every moment he shared. Paul’s music has left a significant imprint on many and is something his friends and family will cherish forever.Paul is survived by his sons Dave, Tim, Dan, and Tom, and his seven grandchildren: Paul, Brad, Jonathan, Madison, Sam, Tom, and Alex. He is predeceased by his wife, Barbara, both parents, his brother, and his son, Paul Jr. “Pitchie.”

Relatives and friend are invited to his funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 215 East State Street, Doylestown. There will be a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, January 21 at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown, PA. The Northrop family invites all friends and loved ones to join a celebration of life on January 22nd, following the funeral service at a location to be announced during Mass. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Dare to Dream Project, an initiative organized to power innovative research, new and safer treatments, support services and advocacy for children with blood cancer. Please consider donating at www.lls.org/dare-to-dream.