Robert “Bob” Popchock, age 94, of Clinton Township, Michigan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away on March 29, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to family.
Bob lived a life rich in love, curiosity, and community. Born on December 21, 1930, in Highland Park, Michigan, he was the eldest of five children of Andrew and Jessica Popchock. Bob served his country as a marine during the Korean War.
Bob met the love of his life, Patricia, at his sister’s wedding. With a mischievous charm that never left him, he asked her to dance, and promised her a date to Boblo Island but took her to a show at the Fox Theatre instead—a story he enjoyed telling for decades. The two were married on June 25, 1955, and went on to raise eight children together, a joyful family he often referred to as his “tribe,” which in time expanded with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and of which he was very proud.
From a young age, Bob had a deep appreciation for sports and competition which extended his whole life—he played baseball in his youth, spent time over the years coaching sports with and for his children, attending their sporting events, and bowling with his wife Patricia.
As a devoted and involved father, husband and overall family man, Bob enjoyed time spent with his family. From his kids’ games spent cheering them on from the sidelines, to teaching them practical skills of life like driving a car to changing oil and tires, he wanted to prepare his family to know what to do in practical life circumstances. Bob also enjoyed gardening, planting fruits and vegetables with his kids helping pick the crops and later focusing on flowers and shrubs. When his kids were grown, together he and Patricia traveled to at least 40 of the 50 states in the US, always ready for the next adventure. Together they saw the world and he photographed trains throughout their travels.
Trains were another passion in his life. Bob was a passionate train enthusiast and model railroader which became a lifelong pursuit. He built a train layout in his first home, which evolved and expanded as he moved to their second and third, final home—complete with miniature towns or areas named for his children. He founded a “Train Club,” attending train conventions to share and sell his extensive train and photo slide collections.
Along the way, he developed an eclectic taste for collecting other various items over the years—coins, nutcrackers, M&M dispensers, stamps—each item telling its own little story. Bob had a knack for storytelling, usually full of humor and heart, which was a hallmark of who he was. He was passionate about life, and exuberant about sharing his stories with others, whether recounting tales from his travels or memories of raising his “tribe,” he captivated listeners with humor and warmth. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bob's neighbors will remember him for his popular annual, elaborate, Christmas light display, which included lights, figurines and music.
Bob was the beloved husband of 69 years to the late Patricia Popchock, who preceded him in death in November 2024; Devoted dad to Lenore Weiss (Roger) of Fraser, MI, Karen Popchock of Northville, MI, Andrew Popchock (Debbie) of Rochester Hills, MI, Mariane Odom (Mark) Oak Park, MI, Nancy Giordano (Sam) Livonia, MI, Diane Lampron of California, Michael Popchock (Lole) of North Carolina, and Steven Popchock (Tammy Lynn) of Florida; Cherished grandfather of Roger Weiss, Robert Weiss (Amy), Brian Weiss (Izabela), the late Emily Voigt (Derek), Andrew Popchock (Emily), Jacob Popchock (Megan), Samantha Giordano (Michael), Anthony Giordano (Joanna), Benjamin Odom, Miguel Popchock and Mateo Popchock; Adored great-grandfather of Mandi, Cassi, Matthias, Luke, Anna, and Jane; Dearest brother of Richard Popchock (Nancy), the late Connie Kurpiewski (Theodore), the late Ronald Popchock (Barbara) and the late Arline Threloff (Benjamin Richard); also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 from 2-8 PM with a rosary service at 7 PM at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Twp, Michigan 48038. A brief in-state gathering will follow on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 9:30 AM until the time of a funeral mass at 10 AM at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 18201 23 Mile Rd, Macomb, Michigan 48042. He will be laid to rest next to his wife at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Marine Toys for Tots Program or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Robert's memory.
