Robert James Popovec

Robert "Bob" James Popovec passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 19, 2017, while under the care of Hospice of the Valley. Bob was born on March 25, 1932 in Youngstown, OH, to Mary and Mike Popovec. He was a graduate of Chaney High School and received his Bachelors of Business degree from then Youngstown University, now Youngstown State University. He was a decorated Navy veteran, who proudly served our Country for 4 years during the Korean War. In 1953 Bob met C. Karen Szczyglowski, of New Castle, PA, and they married in 1957. Bob loved to golf, bowl, socialize, and play cards, his favorite games being poker and pinochle. He loved coaching youth baseball, and volunteered much of his time with the Mill Creek Jr. Baseball League. Bob had a 32 year career with Texaco, serving as a Sales Representative and District Manager. He spent most of his life in the Youngstown area, but when his career took him to Marlton, NJ, in 1980, where he and Karen lived for 22 years, he was again involved with baseball with The Marlton Rec. Youth Baseball League. Bob retired in 1994 and he and Karen moved back to Austintown in 2002, where he resided until his death. Bob leaves behind his caring and loving wife, Karen, of 59 years. He leaves behind 4 children: Dr. Bobbi Popovec, of Montreal, Quebec; Kenneth Popovec (Renee) of Canfield, OH; Philip Popovec (Karla) of Columbus, OH; and Roger Popovec (Heather) of San Antonio, TX. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Tristan and Liam Gamache, Michelle (Keith) Edenfield, Julianne (Darren) Linderman, Kate, Zachary, Mikala, Kyle, Paige and Aidan Popovec. As Bob's health declined in recent years, he found his most joyful moments to be when he was able to spend time with his three precious Great Granddaughters, Klara, Emilea, and Melina Edenfield, who were also left behind. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Mary, a brother John, sisters Mary and Helen, and is survived by his brother Mike. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Christine Church, Friday February 24, 2017 at 11 a.m. Friends and family may call at the Church before the Mass, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Bob requested that memorial contributions be made to the local Disabled American Veterans. Please make checks payable to NCL 494, PO Box 308, Canfield, OH 44406, attn: Dale Berringer.