Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/15/23
Christopher Edward Hupfeldt, 69, passed away June 3 after battling health challenges. “Hup” was born in Baltimore MD on September 17, 1953 to Nancy Kidder Christie of Charlottesville, VA and William George Hupfeldt of Baltimore, MD.
Hup is survived by his wife, Carole Walker Hupfeldt; two sons, Christopher E Hupfeldt Jr.; Reilly Kidder Hupfeldt ; a twin sister, Kimberly Hupfeldt (Scott Jenkel) of Palmetto FL ; a sister Juliet Hupfeldt Miller (Skip Miller) of Bethany Beach, DE and seven step siblings. He is predeceased in death by his brother William George Hupfeldt, Jr (2004), Drew Cunliffe (1991) and his parents.
A celebration of life was held Wednesday.
See Phillylacrosse memorial article on Hup published immediately after his passing.
Hup was raised in Baltimore and attended Boys’ Latin School, Adirondack Mountain School and Blue Ridge School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Washington College in 1977.
Following college, Hup moved to Philadelphia with his best friend, David Senft. Hup was the head coach of Germantown Academy (1981-82) before joining Eagle’s Eye, a women’s apparel company. Hup played for and later became the General Manager of the Eagle’s Eye Lacrosse Club. He also became the General Manager of MAB Philadelphia (1982-98) and then the USCLA Vice President (and then President) from 1992-98.
In 1990, Hup married his wife, Carole, and had two sons together – Chris “Hup” Hupfeld Jr. in 1992 and Reilly Hupfeldt in 1995. Both boys attended The Haverford School and The University of Pennsylvania where Hup and Carole supported their lacrosse careers at every event.
After 10 years of being in the apparel business at Eagle’s Eye and developing a passion for design, Hup decided to pursue his own business, Chup Inc., which offered custom apparel products. Hup operated Chup Inc. for five years before purchasing the lacrosse equipment store, Competitive Edge Outfitters, from Sue and Tom Burt in 1998. Hup and Carole owned Comp Edge for 18 years as the store became the cornerstone of the lacrosse community in the Main Line and was the starting point for many great players and lifelong friendships.
In 1998, Hup was selected as the Assistant General Manager of the gold medal-winning U.S. Men’s National Team and then became the General Manager of the team in 2002 (gold medal) and 2006 (silver medal). Hup was the recipient of the International Lacrosse Federation Spirit Award following the 2006 games.
Hup was also instrumental in the development and growth of the Ashbee youth lacrosse program where he led his teams to SEPYLA championships in 2004, 2006, and 2008 – earning Hup the Service Award for his long standing contributions as a coach and board member.
Hup also served as a volunteer on the USL International Committee, Board of Directors and Chair of the U.S. Men’s National Team Committee (2003-14). His volunteer contributions include the PLA golf outing committee (30 years), Katie Samson Lacrosse Festival committee, and the Checking for Cancer Lacrosse Invitational committee. Hup also volunteered as Santa Clause for the Wayne Business Association for 15 years where he participated in the Lighting of the Christmas Tree ceremony, Christmas Parade, and pictures with Santa at the Radnor Hotel while Carole played the role of Mrs. Clause.
Hup served as a longtime Vice President of The Schluderberg Foundation, Inc. a group governed by the descendants of the founders of Esskay Quality Meat company. Since 1947 the foundation has made annual contributions to many charities, hospitals, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
Throughout his life, Hup was known for his extensive collection of antiques including soldiers, toys and sports memorabilia. His love for a good prank was insurmountable! Hup found success and joy in all his endeavors: whether it was social events at Eagle’s Eye, a lacrosse game at Bob Burch’s Farm, overflowing parties after EA Day, or cocktails at Comp Edge – he knew how to bring people together.
He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be m
ade in Hup’s honor to the “Philadelphia Lacrosse Association” (PLA) and mailed to 1209 Anderson Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.
