Contract signed with acclaimed local artist Susan Geissler for Charles DeGlopper sculpture

The DeGlopper Memorial Expansion Committee signed a contract Monday with a sculptor to produce a life-sized statue of Charles DeGlopper that would be a centerpiece of the new and improved DeGlopper Park.

Acclaimed Youngstown sculptor Susan Geissler, who is known for her public monuments such as Freedom Crossing in the Village of Lewiston, has been chosen to create the create a work of art depicting DeGlopper, who lost his life in France during the D-Day invasion in 1944. DeGlopper was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Monday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post that bear’s DeGlopper’s name, members of the DeGlopper Memorial Expansion Committee and Geissler signed the contract. Erik Anderson, chairman of the board of directors of the committee, said it’s hoped the sculpture will be ready in time for June 9 of 2020, the anniversary of DeGlopper’s death in action during the Normandy invasion.

Geissler said the sculpture is already a work in progress. The committee made the first one-third payment for Geissler’s work. Anderson said “a substantial amount” was raised to pay for the sculpture during a mass mailing, which he called a “shot in the arm.”

Anyone who would like to contribute can visit online at DeGlopperMemorial.org, or visit the post at 2121 Grand Island Blvd. with a check made out to “DeGlopper Memorial.” Or mail to the post in care of Alan Lee or Rich Lozo.

Geissler is pictured seated second from left next to Anderson, left, and Ray DeGlopper, post commander and the nephew of Charles DeGlopper. (Photo by Larry Austin)