Joseph S. Popovic

Known to those close to him as “Joe” he was the eldest of four children, namely his twin brothers Stephen and Michael and his sister Monica. Throughout his childhood “on the farm” in Pennsylvania, Joe was the consummate country boy, always ready to lend a hand or steal a pie as it cooled in his grandmother’s window. From early on it was clear that Joe was not only a total foodie, but also a fun loving prankster who lived to make others laugh. One story in particular would have to be the time he managed to get a rooster to chase his sister Monica. He was also very good at surprising people, much like the many times his grandmother would come down to the kitchen to find a very young Joe stepped up on a stool over the stove making breakfast. Joe regaled his family of many stories from his childhood, which were always told with the excitement of a young boy and with such fond affection for the memories made. Many would agree this is also how Joe lived his life: with the heart of a child and with such gratitude for every moment life gave to him, whether good or bad.

During his high school years, Joe’s family moved to Yonkers, New York, where he attended and graduated from Saunder’s Trade and Technical School. During his young adulthood, Joe exhibited characteristics that he was developing into a community minded, highly social young man that had the heart of a servant. These characteristics would only strengthen with time in the many endeavors and causes Joe dedicated himself to. While an usher at The Most Holy Trinity Church in South Yonkers, a young woman by the name of Barbara Wiegers caught Joe’s attention. Ever the charismatic and confident young man, Joe pursued Barbara and with the help of her brothers and mother, secured a date. This first of many dates would be to Playland Park in Rye, New York where he won Barbara a stuffed animal. From that day forward, Joe and Barbara, affectionately known to him as “pussy cat”, were inseparable. They were married in the same church they met in, on June 26, 1965 in front of a multitude of family and friends. Ever the prankster, Joe made sure that he pulled off a hoax engagement before the real one, a story which he loved to recount to anyone who would listen. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, who will long remember and be comforted by the many diner dates and laughs she shared with her “puppy”.

Joe and Barbara settled into married life in Yonkers in the Phillips Towers apartments on Riverdale Avenue. While living here they would welcome their daughters, Joan Mary Popovic on June 2, 1967 and Mary Elizabeth Popovic on December 6, 1972. Ever the staunch provider for his family, Joe worked diligently for the Westchester County Highway Department for 42 years as a mechanic and part time in the deli department for Finest Supermarket. Soon the family would outgrow the apartment on Riverdale Avenue and settled into a private house, also in Yonkers, where they welcomed their youngest child, AnnMarie Cecelia Popovic on July 18, 1982. Joe was a doting father for his girls and his daughters were the light of his life. If anyone were asked, Joe was the perfect man to have all girls because of his patient and thoughtful nature.

In 1994, Joe’s eldest daughter, Joan, married Ron Cavallo and would go on to bless Joe with three grandchildren: Max David Cavallo born May 31, 2000, Sophia Rose Cavallo born September 27, 2003 and Luca Patrick Cavallo born March 17, 2007. Affectionately known as “Pop”, there was nothing Joe would not do for his grandchildren. Any call from Joan or Ron to watch the children was met with eager excitement, and he was always ready to pull out his wallet to show anyone and everyone a picture of his grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Joe exemplified what it is to be family and community minded, and was a dedicated man of his word. Joe continued as an usher for the Most Holy Trinity Church every Sunday until its closing in 2015. Joe was also a dedicated servant of the Blessed Mother through the Knights of Columbus for over 40 years, where he ascended the ranks to Area Commander of the Fourth Degree, and received the Patriotic Award in 2015, which recognized his dedicated service and contributions. Joe’s work ethic was second to none, as he came out of retirement to serve another 10 years as foreman for the City of Yonkers Sign Shop, where he made long lasting friendships. Joe was also a very proud member of the Teamsters Local 456, and never missed the Christmas Party, where he would proudly showcase his beloved wife, daughters and grandchildren while no doubt sporting a “grandpa” sweatshirt underneath his favorite Teamsters jacket.

Joe provided many happy memories to his children and worked hard to make sure they had a vacation every year to the Jersey Shore. Joe also celebrated family in every way much like his brothers and sister, by making sure his children grew up very close to their cousins. Celebrations with family, barbeques huddled over the tiny hibachi grill, church parties and holiday festivities were limitless, and you could always find Joe at the center of it all, laughing and enjoying every single moment. Joe celebrated life each and every day, and never took for granted a single moment. He was the rock of his family and the hero of his wife and daughters. He will be missed but his impact on the lives of all he touched is everlasting. Visiting hours will be in the Whalen & Ball Funeral Home on Sunday January 27th and Monday January 28th from 2-4 & 7-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be in Christ the King Church on Tuesday January 29th at 10am. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Yonkers.

Whalen & Ball Funeral Home

168 Park Avenue

Yonkers, NY 10703

(914)965-5488

www.whalenandballfh.com