Joseph Popovich

CANFIELD - Joseph H. Popovich, 56, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, at Hospice House. His time there was spent surrounded by loving, devoted family, friends and nursing staff.

This follows Joseph’s battle with gliobastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer which he was diagnosed with five and one half years ago.

Joseph was born June 20, 1962, in Youngstown, and is the son of Anne E. (Frazzini) and Hank L. Popovich.

Raised in Struthers he attended St. Nicholas then Struthers High School, graduating from Youngstown State University in 1987 with a degree in Business Administration. He earned his Certified Public Accountant credential and practiced in firms throughout the Youngstown area until accepting a position with the U. S. Treasury (Internal Revenue Service), retiring in 2013.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gina (Stabilito), whom he has celebrated 30 years of marriage with since Nov. 7, 1987; Joseph also is survived by his son, Nicholas, daughter-in-law, Taylor (Halko); and beautiful granddaughter, Emmarie, whom all live in Phoenix, Ariz. Before passing, Joseph and Gina were thrilled to celebrate Nicholas and Taylor’s announcement of a second child, expected late February, 2019.

In addition, Joseph is also survived by his father, Henry Popovich of New Middletown; four outstanding sisters, Deborah VanSuch of Louisville, Doreen (Robert) Chance of Poland, Elizabeth Kadvan of Poland, and Lauren Goist (Ken) of Struthers; and brother-in-law, Al Stabilito of Poland.

Joseph passes with cherished memories of his nine nieces and nephews as well as a rapidly growing amount of great-nieces and great-nephews. Uncle Joe reminds them: “Go Tribe!” “O-H!” and “Stay blessed”.

He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew F. Popovich; his mother, Anne E. Popovich; brothers-in-law Andrew J. Kadvan Jr. and Terrence R. VanSuch; and in-laws Marie and Alfred Stabilito.

Joseph was a dedicated parishioner of St. Michael’s Church in Canfield. He enjoyed being and avid member of the choir, often singing solo parts for responsorial psalms and special sections of mass. He was proud to see his son Matthew confirmed and granddaughter Emmarie baptized there as well.

His sons loved to call him Papa Bear, always making time to “have a catch” or play some Mario Kart (Toad was his favorite character). Joseph maintained a healthy balance between work and personal life, always managing to be at their performances and or athletic events.

During retirement, Joseph developed new interests with his wife. They loved walks around Canfield or the mall, going to garage sales and watching the Cleveland Indians. He enjoyed visiting his son and daughter-in-law in Phoenix, enjoying memorable times at Spring Training, San Diego and Sedona.

Calling hours will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Canfield on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joseph’s memory to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Youngstown, OH 44514 or to St. Michael’s Church, 300 N. Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this obituary and to send condolences.

Arrangements are by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home Boardman-Canfield Chapel.