Benjamin Poppa

Benjamin Poppa of Sarasota, FL, peacefully departed this earthly world on Monday, March 22, 2021. Benjamin lived a grand life of 100 years, 4 months, and 4 days, and woke each day with a smile on his face and optimism in his heart! He was preceded in death by parents, Simeon and Mary (Burson) Popescu, siblings Samuel and Elvira (Nevin), beloved son Michael Poppa, and son-in-law Charles McGovern III.

Benjamin is survived by his wife Gloria (Murphy) and children, John Poppa (Asheville, NC), Susan Tower (Ronald) (Yellow Springs, OH), Kristina McGovern and Janine Poppa (Sarasota, FL), and Ben Poppa (Tina) (Huber Hts, OH/Naples FL), 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 1 great, great-grandchild, and beloved nieces and nephews. Grandchildren: Florida: Justin Poppa (Patricia), Jordan Poppa-Turner (Tanya), Janae Poppa-Deis, Matthew McGovern. Grandchildren of Ohio: Shamsi Tower Parsons (Scott), Renee Dilbeck (Joey), Kelly Donahue (Joe), Mike Poppa, Chris Poppa (Katie Simmerling), Valerie Poppa, Ciara Hemmert (Nathan). North Carolina: Jenny Poppa Golding (Bob, Daniel Sevigny, Kayti Sevigny Tallent), Laura Ensley (Brett).

Benjamin proudly served in the US Army as a medic and in the Utilities Department with the 23rd General Hospital during World War II, ending as a T5 Corporal. Returning to Dayton, Ohio, he became a Master plumber. He partnered in a plumbing and plumbers supply company, becoming a General Contractor and building homes, shopping centers, schools, offices, and apartments. Later building condos in Sarasota and Venice, FL, and now the recognizable blue house on Tenacity Lane, sitting directly on Siesta beach.

Benjamin was known for his strong work ethic, honesty, integrity, and fairness. His work accomplishments pale in comparison to his dedication to the love of family. He and Gloria, his wife of nearly 79 years, were recently featured in the Herald-Tribune article, 79 years after Pearl Harbor, ‘Greatest Generation’ couple recall life in wartime, by Billy Cox. https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2020/12/06/sarasota-couple-were-bowling-when-they-learned-pearl-harbor/3816575001/

A private family service is to take place at Sarasota National Cemetery, Wednesday, March 31, 2021. In his honor, the family requests that donations be made to Heroes Welcome Home in Sarasota, FL, a charity that assists veterans with their housing needs.

https://hwhvets.networkforgood.com/projects/127020-in-memory-of-benjamin-poppa