Alex Popovich

On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, Alex Popovich, age 93, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Alex was born on August 3, 1927, to Vess and Anna Popovich, the youngest of a very large family. He was born and raised in Murray City, Ohio, a place that he would hold close to his heart for the entirety of his life.

As a teenager, Alex enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at the tail-end of World War II, driving tanks and doing patrols in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Upon returning home, Alex married Barbara Fincham on November 23, 1955, in Fort Wayne, Ind. The couple made their home in Akron, Ohio, where they raised a large, loving family together. While in Akron, Alex worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber for 45 years, retiring in 1989.

Alex enjoyed retirement to the fullest. It was a rare occasion to pull up to his house and not see him sitting in his rocking chair in the garage, beer in hand and big band music playing from the radio. He was an avid baseball fan, supporting the New York Yankees throughout his life and rooting for the Cleveland Indians. If a baseball game wasn’t on TV, you could count on reruns of old westerns and cowboy movies to be airing in the background, especially in later years.

Throughout his life, Alex always looked forward to making trips down to Murray City to stay in the family cabin. Whether he was drinking coffee by the woods, visiting the American Legion, or catching up with old friends, he enjoyed every moment he spent in his hometown. More than anything, he loved being surrounded by his family. A full house was a happy house, and the home that he and Barb shared was one brimming with noise, laughter and love.

Alex is survived by his children, Michael (Suzanne), Bruce, Keith (Sis), Scott (Vickie), Paul (Susan), Sheila, and Donna (David) Powell; stepdaughter, Pam (Bob) Bordash; many adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Barbara; his parents; and siblings.

A special thanks to granddaughter, Stacy, for taking care of Alex for the past few years, making sure that he could stay at home where he was happiest.

A private service will be held when everyone can gather to celebrate Alex’s life together, just like he would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter. Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Rose Hill Funeral Home and memories and condolences may be shared at www.rosehillbp.com