David Stanley Poprawski, born April 15, 1951 passed away on July 18, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Precious son, to the late Stanley and Celia (Kowalski) Poprawski. Loving brother, to Linda (Bob) Humphreys and their children Robert and Evelyn (Danny) Rivera and their children Pierce and Elise. Dearest soulmate, helpmate, and best friend for 32 years to his beloved wife, Susan. Treasured “DAD” to: Amy (Charles) Moss, Joseph Edmunds, Lawrence (Sherry) Edmunds, the late Arthur Edmunds, and former daughter-in-law Lana Wilde. Gampy, Papa, and Grandpa also survived by his “Super Stars”, grandchildren: Erica Moss, Justine (Mike) Maluchnik, Aaron Edmunds, Trevor Edmunds, Megan Edmunds, Haley Edmunds, Emily Edmunds, Sarah Edmunds and her fiancé Jonathon Leitch, Larry (Emily) Barber, Alexander (Kelli) Edmunds, and Gabrielle Wilde. Also missing G G are his “Little Stars” Troy and Roman Maluchnik and Finn Edmunds as well his favorite sister-in-law Barbara Javick. David also will be loved and missed by numerous other family and friends. Memorial Visitation on Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:30 p.m. at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores. Please no flowers.
David and Susan spent most of their married life living in downtown Detroit and were affectionately known as the elevator grandparents. They enjoyed affording their grandchildren the opportunity to appreciate what downtown living was all about: taking some to the symphony, the DIA many times, the Historical museum, teaching them how to cross streets with the lights, something most of them didn’t experience at home, viewing city life from the 25th floor of their apartment balcony with the cacophony of noises from below. Parades of people, seagulls, Red Wing parades, Thanksgiving day parades, fireworks front row seats, cheering from Comerica Park, walks to Eastern Market on Saturdays, playing pool with them at Anchor Bar, eating the best wings at Sweetwater, and many enjoyable meals with family at Fishbones and Loco Bar.
David was fondly remembered by many of the persons wandering the streets of downtown and was known as the Cigarette man, the Mayor, the Boss Man when meeting up with them. He always stopped to talk with them and offered encouragement and of course a cigarette or two. They treated him with respect and he them. Working at the Water Department on Randolph David always came upon many of these persons in his walks to and from and literally they could be seen running after him for a cigarette or two.
Wherever David went, the Casino, his workplace, restaurants, his annual haircut, taxi rides, you name it David never failed to tell anyone serving him that, “They were doing a good job.” It was an endearing constant with him and sincerely felt by him. With his dearly loved children by marriage and his dearly loved grandchildren he always let them know they were “doing a good job.”
David’s passion above all else was music. The opera, Jethro Tull, the Symphony, classic rock, Jethro Tull, jazz, easy listening, Jethro Tull. Yes, David was the biggest Jethro Tull fan ever, bar none anywhere. Saturdays at home for David and whoever had the privilege to be with him were concert days for hours. He was a walking encyclopedia when it came to musical knowledge. If Jeopardy only had music categories he would never leave the podium. But of course the concert never ended until one of his favorite Tull albums was on the turntable.
David was truly a remarkable man cherished by his wife, children, and grandchildren. I don’t think he ever had an enemy and always, always, always communicated with the less fortunate and with his wife Susan helped whoever they could. All that can be left to say is “David you did a good job.”
